James N. "Jim" Watson

About

University of Florida

James Watson Obituary

WATSON James N. "Jim" Watson, born October 7, 1916, in Jacksonville, Florida, son of William Lee and Vivian Watson, died December 26, 2008. Graduated Robert E Lee High School and University of Florida. Commissioned 2nd Lt. ROTC, 1940. Served 48 months in the Pacific during WWII with the 246 FA Bn. AMERICAL Division and in the occupation of Japan. Graduate of the U.S. Army Logistics Management Center, Ft. Lee, Virginia; the Guided Missile School, Ft. Bliss, Texas; the Field Artillery School, Ft. Bragg, NC; the Field Artillery College at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma; the Command and Staff School of the U.S. Army at Leavenworth, Kansas. He retired from the Army Reserve as Lt. Col. Jim was well known throughout this area and the State of Florida for his many accomplishments in the field of agriculture. Served with the Agricultural Extension Service of the University of Florida in Santa Rosa, Lake and Columbia Counties before being appointed in 1952 as the third Duval County Agricultural Director, following in the footsteps of his father who the first to hold that position. Hosted the TV show "Hi Neighbor" on Channel 12 for over 20 years, which won the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge The George Washington Honor Medal Award. After his retirement he hosted the show, "Down to Earth with Jim Watson" on WJCT, Channel Seven for 14 years. Was Horticulture Editor for the Jacksonville Journal and the Florida Times Union, consultant for the Ace Hardware group in SE Georgia and NE Florida, President of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis District IV Governor, assisted in the organization of the Greater Jacksonville Agriculture Fair and served as President for 5 years. Inducted in the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame and the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. Recipient of the 2004 Florida Farm Bureau Federation Distinguish Service Award. Many University of Florida Scholarships have been established in his name. Member of Avondale United Methodist Church, Life member of the Men's Garden Club of Jacksonville. Predeceased by his first wife, Josephine Rawlings Watson, his sisters, Myra Scott and Emmaline Elizabeth Chapin. Survived by his wife, Mary Katherine, sons, James N. Watson, Jr. and his wife, Angie, William Lynn Watson, and Mary Katherine's son, Robert C. Ruffin, Jr. and 3 grandchildren, Porter, son of Jim and Angie, and Sarah Watson Butler and William Lynn Watson , Jr., daughter and son of Lynn and Vicki Watson, sister, Wilma Dantin of Windermere, FL. A memorial funeral service will held on Saturday, 2:00pm, January 24, 2009 at Avondale United Methodist Church (1651 Talbot Ave.) Jacksonville, FL 32205. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home (729 S. Edgewood Ave.) Jacksonville, FL 32205. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union on Jan. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Watson

10 Entries

Vicki Watson

January 29, 2009

From our first meeting, Jim’s acceptance of me made me feel very special. It did not take long to realize he made everyone feel very special. My constant desire to do better is driven by the love and wisdom he taught me through his words and actions.
Jim respected those under his authority, and never took advantage of his status; Big brother, Lt.Col., Husband, Father, Grandfather, Chairman, no matter. Jim was honest and responded to people with truth. He was generous and demonstrated compassion, especially to those less fortunate than himself.
His vision was poor, but his vision of Life and love for his fellow man was 20/20. He embodied Christ’s teachings, and has helped shape the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.
I’ll miss you Pop. I love you. And I too, will keep my shovel in the ground.

Sarah Watson Butler

January 28, 2009

Daddaddy, you were truly a blessing in my life, I will never forget your loving and caring ways. I will always envy your compassion that you had for people, all people. You taught me so many things and I will be forever in debt to you. I love you, and as your granddaughter, I feel like I will be a better person by heeding your guidance and wisdom that you taught me over the years. You will be missed and never forgotten...God Bless your sweet soul! And, can you have a Camellia waiting on me when I get there? Those were always our favorites together! I love you!

William Watson Jr.

January 28, 2009

With my Grandfather passing, I feel that the earth has lost some of its color; I know my Daddaddy will be making Heaven a brighter shade of green. The Master of Gardens has been introduced to the Master of all creation. Though I will miss him every day, I know that he has a better view of all things that he loves. Until we meet again Daddaddy, I love you.

James Watson, Jr

January 25, 2009

My Dad, like my Mom, was first and foremost a teacher....while not necessarily in a classroom...he taught by rolling up his sleeves and getting in the soil with anyone and everyone, no matter their station in life...he taught by example in how he led his life....he taught by his faith in God and his love for his family...he was a great teacher and a wonderful father, father-in-law, uncle and grandfather....this world is a better place because of him....he will be missed....Love you, Dad...Jimmy

George Winterling

January 24, 2009

When I bought my first house in 1958 and planted an Orange tree, I wrote Jim Watson to learn the cause of blackened leaves. A few days later I was surprised when I got a lengthy hand-written letter explaining it was sooty mold caused by white fly eggs on the underside of the leaves. Jim, who was a Lee High grad like me, epitomized was it is to be every gardeners true friend. I'm sure God has a special Garden of Eden in heaven for him to enjoy.

Patty Harvey

January 24, 2009

Lynn, this is Patty Cagle Harvey. You and I graduated from Lee together but more importantly your Dad and my Dad also graduated from Lee together. Your Dad was 3 days older than Daddy and they both retired from the Army Reserve as Lt. Colonel. Infact I remember your Dad picking Daddy up to go to the monthly reserve meetings as they were in the same unit. We lived on Lexington Avenue. The last time Daddy saw your Dad was at the 90th birthday for Fishweir. I regret I had no film left to take a picture of them together again. My Daddy (Bronze Cagle) passed away at the age of 91 (missed 92 by exactly 3 months) on July 10, 2008. I miss him dearly as I know you miss your Dad, however I am sure that our Dads have reunited in heaven and are catching up with many memories to share with each other. You are in my prayers as our Dads were unknowingly so connected.

Lynn Watson

January 22, 2009

Dad was a devoted father, a proud veteran and a lover of life....Keep your shovel in the ground, Dad! I miss you.

Robert Fore

January 22, 2009

I remember Jim very well as the father of Jimmy and Lynn. Also remember Robert Ruffin well from my childhood. Spent many nights in the Watson's home. Jim was a great man who touched many lives. May God bless him and his family.

Bill Weather

January 22, 2009

I had the honor of working with Jim at WJCT during his "Down to Earth" days. He always impressed me because he typified everything good in us humans. Caring, compassion, sense of duty and of what is right were consistently on display from him; as well as his deep knowledge base of stories, remembrances and of course, gardening.

Herb Gold

January 22, 2009

It was an honor to have known and worked with Jim during his years at Ch-12. In addition to his regular weekly program I remember his 1st prime time special called "Cement it & Paint It Green." The program was about how to take care of your lawn. He will be missed by family and friends...

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results