Birth Date: 01/13/1925
Deceased Date: 08/31/2020
James Edward Watson (Jim) 95, of Kenly, transitioned to his heavenly home, August 31, 2020. Born to Zeb and Lillie Bell Fields Watson, on January 13, 1925, in Fort Bragg, NC. He spent his younger days in Spring Lake, while his father served in the Army Band, Later, the family returned to Kenly, where he graduated from Kenly High School. He was on the boxing team, at Kenly High and also was a drummer, in his father’s Kenly Community Band. On July 26, 1948, he married the love of his life Sarah Durham Watson. He was a devoted husband, loving father, father-in-law, “Grand Daddy” and “GG Daddy”.Jim will be remembered by all those who knew him, as a quiet, patient, caring, profound, man, with a dry wit that could put you in stitches.
Jim was well known for being a master painter and he and the Watson Crew, Uncle Roland, cousins Rudolph and Jeff, along with Jim’s childhood friend, Jess Hartley, worked in some of the finest homes in Wilson County, Johnston County, and beyond. When Jim was asked, “Why don’t you retire?” his answer was, “When you retire, you die.” It is likely, another reason he wanted to continue working was the almost daily pranks the Watson Crew played on each other, that made the daily grind fun and memorable. At the age of 83 he laid down his paint brush. He could do anything he put his mind to, including most of the work building his family home, over a span of 7 years. Jim and Sarah loved working in the yard together and were awarded Yard of the Month, on occasion. He was often seen around town driving his 1968 Ford Station Wagon that he purchased new and never sold. He enjoyed his nephews and showed his love by spending time with them and teaching them “how to’s”. “Grand Daddy” built a cradle from an old church pew, for his grand babies and a fire truck that held all three grandchildren. He won parade trophies, for the “Jim Dandy Fire Department” truck. His nephew, Dick Henry, obtained the “Gotcha” Lure and Jim’s job was to paint and assemble every part, except the hooks. He spent countless hours painting the lead and adding the eyes, with a wooden match stick. Quality work was of utmost importance!
Other than his parents, Zeb and Lillie Bell, he is preceded in death by brothers Zeb “Bud” Watson Jr., Charles Ray Watson, Carol Watson, and a sister Evelyn Watson Henry.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday in the Kenly Cemetery with his grandsons Rev. Derek Capps and Mr. Nicholas Capps officiating. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions friends and family are encouraged to practice social distancing and to wear a mask. Mr. Watson will be available for the public to pay their respects and sign his register book at the funeral home Friday from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm and again on Saturday from 8:00 am until 12 noon.
Those who will always cherish Jim’s memory are his wife of 72 years, Sarah Durham Watson, Daughter, Vicki Watson Capps and husband Marvin, of Pine Level. Grand children Derek Edward Capps and wife Cami, of Los Angeles, California, Nichole Capps Chestnut and husband Matt, of Princeton, and Nicholas Todd Capps and wife Melissa, of Wilmington. Great grandchildren Cayden, Sasha, and Cole Capps, of Los Angeles, California. Wyatt Chestnut of Princeton, and Josiah, Judah, and Justice Capps, of Wilmington. Brother Walter Joseph Watson and wife Martha, of Southport. Special nephew Troy D. (Dick) Henry, Jr. and wife, of Newport, NC.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff of Woodard Care for their loving kindness and special care. Nurse Jessica Baker, of Assisted Care, for her care, kindness, and understanding. Kim Starling Krentz of Downtown Pharmacy, for your kindness and making sure his needs were always met. The Staff of Johnston Family Medicine, for always being kind and helpful. Dr. Renee G. Watson for her care and special labor of love she gave to Jim and gives to all her patients.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Those wishing to share memories or express sympathy may do so by visiting www.parrishfh.com and signing the online guest register.
