James N. "Jim" Watson

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...

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...

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.

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

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.

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...

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

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.

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.