James P. Watson's Obituary
James P. Watson, age 97, was born May 5, 1927 to John Bowser Watson and Madeline Moser Watson in Martinsburg, MO. He passed away October 2, 2024 with his wife at his side.
He entered the Merchant Marines at 16 where he served one year carrying supplies to the troops. Following that he spent four years in the Army at the end of WWII. On his return he moved to Oshkosh. In 1961 he married Mary Sitter and suffered his first bout with skin cancer which he fought his entire life. They were married 63 wonderful years and had three children, Valerie (Bill) Wiley, Jane (Michael) Gordon and Larry (Sue) Watson.
Jim and Mary enjoyed 39 years of retirement traveling to most states plus Hawaii, Japan, Alaska, and Mexico. He had a unique talent in embroidery, and appliques, making many Christmas stockings and tree skirts for people, friends, and family all over the U.S.
He is survived by nine grandchildren, Steven, Erin (Steve), Denise (Cody), Nathan, Matthew, Ryan (Yuko), Tyler, McKenna (Colton) and Chase. Great grandchildren, Ethan, Abigail, Owen, Cooper, and Rayna due in February, brother Terry, sister-in-law Kay & brother-in-law Richard Wilson, sister-in-law Mary Kay Sitter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Watson, sister Sandy & husband Lee Culver, and brother-in-law Dennis Sitter. His mother-in-law Valeria Sitter and father-in-law Milton Sitter.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 11 am at St. Jude Parish (St. Vincent Church at 216 W. South Park Ave). Father Louis Golamari will be the celebrant. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 10 am until the time of Mass.
Thank you to Aurora Hospice for taking good care of him and the family. Words cannot describe how wonderful they were.
He will be dearly missed by his family.
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