James E. Watson

James E. Watson, 81, passed away at The Waters of Muncie on Sunday, December 31, 2023. Jim was born on January 10, 1942, to the late Paul and Lavon Watson. He graduated from Mississinewa High School, class of 1960. He then enlisted with the United States Navy and served from 1960 to 1964. On January 8, 1965, he married Betty VanHoosier, and she survives in Marion. Jim worked for the Gas City Post Office, Owens-Illinois, and then Bell Fibre. He was a huge sports fan, watching football, basketball, and baseball whenever he could. He grew up as a Green Bay Packer fan and loved going to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs. However, his favorite team was always IU basketball, and he was a big Bobby Knight fan. When his children were younger, he coached them all in sports. He loved spending time with his family, whether it be having cookouts or sitting outside by the fire, or going to dinner and a movie with Betty. Jim had a big, caring heart and if he saw someone in need of help, he wouldn't hesitate to go and help however he could.

Jim is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Jim (Jennifer) Watson, Gas City, Shannon (Mark Thompson) Watson, Van Buren, and Peter Watson, Noblesville; grandchildren, Braden Watson, Tayler (Tre) Johnson, Cade Watson, Jordan (Catelynn Jacks) Hatfield, Madison (Heath) Brooksher, Cole (Alexis) Watson, Peyton (Hayley) Watson, and Logan Watson; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia (Mike) Hart, Marion; brothers, William Watson, Marion, Ron (Vonda) Watson, Fairmount, and Don Watson, Leesville, SC; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lavon; brothers, Kenneth and Paul Watson, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Carolyn, Sandra, and Ann Watson; brother-in-law, Stephen Nicholson; and nephews, Mike and Paul Watson.

Arrangements for Jim have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 North Main Street, Upland, Indiana 46989, where a visitation will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dementia Society of America, to help end this awful disease.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.