In Memory
WATSON, James A. James Allan Watson passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Emory Hospital following a valiant battle with cancer. Born on November 25, 1946 in Elgin, Illinois, he was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he graduated from South Side High School and Indiana University School of Business. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1969 -1971, he began a 43 year career in all aspects of commercial real estate finance throughout the U.S, Europe and Asia. After retiring in 2015 he volunteered at North Fulton Community Charities, was an active member of Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Roswell, and pursued his love of travel. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas A. Watson and his brother Thomas A. Watson, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda of 46 years, his mother Ruth Watson Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a brother, William G. Watson of Wichita, Kansas, Ruth Anne Watson of Ann Arbor, Michigan, as well as a large extended family. A Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday April 25 at Cross of Life Lutheran Church, 1000 Hembree Road, Roswell GA 30076. Preferred memorials are Cross of Life Lutheran Church and Winship Cancer Institute 1365- C Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Apr. 24, 2017
Mary A. Beaudway (Mavis)
It is always said to hear of another '64 Archer dying. But so important to remember them and their life. Jim never ceased to amaze me with....... what is he going to do next?! Always smiling, always ready for adventures! Qualities that made him successful in life. He will be missed by family and friends!
And, as Charlie mentioned, it is so important to keep in touch! Thanks Nancee for keeping this website up and working!'
Michael J. Havlin
I am not sure how I missed this post. I just learned of Jim's passing from Howie Lowden and was shocked. Jim was smart and funny and possessed that important quality of cynacism that I always loved. I got Jim's phone number from Howie and began calling him at work before the last reunion to get him to fill out his profile on the website and to attend the reunion. Fortunately he did both and we were able to have that dinner he mentioned in the profile and to catch up on many years of memories. As noted, Jim was a prankster and I remember a time when we rang an old lady's doorbell in Indian Village and sang, in what I am sure was imperfect falsetto harmony, the then popular song "Have I the RIght to Hold You?" I am not sure why other than it seemed to make sense at the time. You will be missed, old friend. Rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers for Linda.
Phillip S. Waldrop
I remember Jim, but unfortunately did not get to know him.. But I want to echo the comments about staying in touch with our classmates. I made a point of getting two of my old 1963 classmates together with me for breakfast when I visited Fort Wayne about 3 years ago, and glad that I did, as within a year they were both gone. I regret not having reconnected with them much earlier.
Danny K. Herney
I Am Very Sad To Hear Of Jim's Passing. He Was Fun To Hang Out With At SSHS & We Spent A Lot of Time Together, RIP Jim------
Julie R. Rhinehart (Waterfield)
I'm so sorry, Linda. My sympathies for you and your sweet mother-in-law.
John R. Grandstaff
I knew Jim well back in our young and reckless days. In fact, we hit the Blufton Bridge together in my parents' Corvair. I think he referenced that in his profile. Jim was a good guy, and I'd say the adjectives attributed to him here are right on. Rest In Peace buddy. Granny
Danny K. Herney
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4e0a0ro1tgdah4r/DEK%201963.pdf?dl=0
Please Advise If You Can Veiw This Scanned JG Article
Thank You
Dan--
(Highlight & Open The Link) & You Will See The DEK Movers & Shakers 1963 , A Handsome Group For Sure !
Sharon M. McEachern (Sandridge)
Danny, I copied your link & put it in an email to myself & could read it. Great newspaper picture. You've got Skip Gaterman in that article too. Wonderful that you've kept this all these years. And you are absolutely correct: a very handsome group of guys! It's a great way to remember both Jim & Skip. Thank you!
Michael L. Byrd
I wasn't a DEK, but Jim was a good friend to me. So very sad for his passing.
Patrick H. Fraizer (Fraizer)
Jim was a lot of fun we used to tool around in my 55 Chevy. Raised hell in the DEK. Oh! Yea, we were mavericks. Gonna miss you