James Angus Watson III

James Angus Watson III obituary, Charlottesville, VA

James Angus Watson III

James Watson III Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7, 2022.
James Angus Watson III, 94, of Charlottesville, Virginia died on November 3, 2022.

Born August 1, 1928 in Washington, DC, he was the son of James Angus Watson Jr. and Mildred Murray Watson. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary B. Watson and two brothers, David Watson and Charles Watson.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jenifer Chazal Watson and three children, James A. Watson IV (Anne) of Lusby MD, Joan Watson Hessler (Robert) of Naples FL, and Jenifer Watson Moore of Crozet, VA. His grandchildren are: Elizabeth Watson Keddy, Michael Watson, Danny Watson, Emily Watson, Abby Watson, Matthew Watson, Douglas Hessler, Erin Hessler, Sarah Hessler Rodriguez, and Gus Moore. His great grandchild is Charlotte Keddy.

James attended Randolph Macon Academy and Landon High School before attending Lehigh University, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve, then began a career managing, then owning Watson Automotive Equipment Company of Arlington VA, Baltimore, MD and Mount Airy, MD. After retiring, he and Jenifer lived in Oxford, MD, Naples FL, Queenstown MD, Williamsburg VA, Warrenton VA, Crozet VA and Charlottesville VA.

His passion for creative engineering included projects for NASA in the pre-Apollo years, building a cabin on Broad Creek, restoring classic boats, and fixing up a ski cottage at Wintergreen. The classic wooden Chris-Craft cruiser garnered him a best in show award.

James will be interred at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, DC at a date to be determined. Cards can be sent to his daughter, Jenifer Moore for delivery to his wife Jenifer Watson at 417 Fennel Road, Crozet, VA 22932.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21043.

Condolences may be posted to the family at legacy.com.

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Sign James Watson III's Guest Book

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November 17, 2022

Joanie posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2022

Rob Ponder posted to the memorial.

November 7, 2022

Ellen Harvey posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Joanie

November 17, 2022

Dad, thanks for all the lessons taught, the help you gave, and the fun you created for us. I miss you! xoxoxo

Rob Ponder

November 9, 2022

I remember getting to talk to Jim at Grandma Onie's 100th Birthday party back in 1998 in Ocala (photo below). I am sure that he will be missed by many! Rob (Robby) Ponder (genealogist for the Chazal Family)

Ellen Harvey

November 7, 2022

A man devoted to his family, intellectually curious and welcoming to all, he was a good example in so many ways.

Christopher Bond

November 7, 2022

I fondly remember the time that Jim and I were taking our dates to a formal dance at the Coast Guard Academy. Jim's parents were in town to visit Jim and the Academy and came along with all of us to dinner at a nice restaurant. Mr. and Mrs. Watson were a lot of fun to be with and helped keep the conversation going around the table. I can't exactly remember being concerned about the big bill that was going to arrive at the end of the meal but I clearly remember being so impressed when Mr. Watson grabbed (and paid) the bill when it was brought to the table. It was such a thoughtful thing to do and to this day I often emulate his kind gesture when I go out to dinner with others, especially younger folks who don't have a lot of money. Both of Jim's parents were very interesting and kind and took a great interest in us. They were fun to be with and great examples for us to observe.

Anne Watson

November 6, 2022

We will miss you Pop-Pop.

Jim

November 6, 2022

Dad, we love you. How can we ever forget the great fun, inspiration and support you gave us? You will always be with us.

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Sign James Watson III's Guest Book

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November 17, 2022

Joanie posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2022

Rob Ponder posted to the memorial.

November 7, 2022

Ellen Harvey posted to the memorial.