James “Jimmy” L. Watson

Previously, he lived in Quinnesec, from 1975 to 2014, when he moved to Vulcan. He was born in Kansas City, Mo. and graduated from the local high school. After graduation, James decided to join the Air Force and serve his country. He was stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base south of Sault Ste. Marie. He also spent time at the Naval Air Station Keflavik in Iceland. He was an Airman Second Class rank when honorably discharged on May 20, 1960.

After his time serving our country, James opened his own business, Watson Dry Wall, he operated this for 45 years. Also, with his wife, they operated Jim and Bev’s Karaoke business to bring music to others. 

Survivors include his wife Beverly Watson; father-in-law Alvin Perry; children, Joanne Saunders and John Cardamoni, Margo (Robert) Bradley, Brenda (Patrick) Chartier; step-children, Pamela (William) Revord, Cindy Vivio and friend Tony Campbell, Christine Watson and friend Deb Schicker, Donna (Dennis) Sjoquist; sister, Nancy Cochran; in-laws, Chuck Rohaus, Nancy Perry, Michael (Joni) Perry, Joseph Provencher, Casey Perry, Tracy Perry, Roxane (Mark) Tauschek, Clifford (Cheryl) Perry, Audrey (Shawn) Brown; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a couple on the way. Jim and Bev always referred to all of you are his, hers and mine, we loved you all the same. James loved to call every one of you his “favorite” when you were in front of him.

Preceded in death by his parents, Paul Watson and Alberta Mercer; step-father, Bill Mercer; son, Marc Watson; siblings, Ronald Watson, Linda Rohaus, Jerry “Jawbones” Watson; in-laws, Donald Cochran, Janette Perry (mother-in-law), Susan Perry, Jeffrey and Lynne Perry;  also cousins, nieces and nephews.

James loved life to the fullest and laughed a lot with family and friends. A few of his favorite things to do were spending time hunting, fishing, biking and exercising, boating, going to the casino, riding tour buses, making snow angels with Brooke, Mandy, Teri, Jimmy, Tamara, Shannon and Nicholas, riding the Mechanical Bull at Bernie’s Bar, hosting and singing Karaoke.

He liked to camp with Tyler, Tim, Tniya, Devin, Nevaeh and Hailey at Camp Appleknockers. 

His MOST FAVORITE THING was hosting the traditional open house on Christmas Eve, ALL were welcome and many good times were had. 

If you ask anyone to tell you something about Jim, they would say he loved “going to town.”

Something you might not know about Jim is that he had a pilot license and enjoyed the EAA Convention.

James’ life will be celebrated in May of 2021, details and date will be provided soon. There will be military honors. 

The family would like to give special thanks to the VA Hospital, OSF Hospice Escanaba, Quilters of Zion Lutheran Church, Evergreen Meadows of Norway, Deacon Mike LeBeau, UPCAP Dickinson County, Ortman Funeral Home and if we forgot to mention anyone else please know we appreciated everything you did.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James Watson, to the Honor Never Forgotten Honor Flight information can be found at neverforgottenhonorflight.com.

Condolences to the family of Jimmy may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.