James Meredith Watts

James Meredith Watts, 67, a physician whose professional, personal and community leadership touched the lives of many, died Monday, May 31, 2004, at a local hospital surrounded by loving family.

Celebration of Life: 5 p.m. Monday, June 7, in the sanctuary of University Christian Church, 2720 S. University Drive, with the Rev. Dr. F. Alan Lobaugh officiating.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jim's name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Union Gospel Mission or Fort Worth South Inc.

Jim was born in Shawnee, Okla., on March 7, 1937, to Annabel and Fred G. Watts. Even as a boy, Jim aspired to become a doctor. "It appealed to me because it's needed, you make a difference in peoples' lives and it requires lifelong scholarship."

After graduation from high school, Jim attended and graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and Baylor College of Medicine. Upon completion of medical school, Jim proudly served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. At the conclusion of his military service, Jim did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston from 1965 to 1968.

Jim came to Fort Worth to establish his practice in obstetrics and gynecology in 1968. Patients and their families knew him to be an outstanding physician with a warmth and understanding that enabled him to develop a true collaboration with his patients. He was quick to acknowledge how much he learned from his patients and felt passionate about making sure his patients learned from him. They recall compassion, caring and friendship as hallmarks of Jim's personality. This immensely rewarding career drew to a close in 1999.

An accomplished photographer, Jim actively pursued hobbies of travel and photography, capturing on film what he saw and experienced. Highlights of his frequent travels with his beloved wife, Linda, included Santa Fe, Northern and Southern California, Canada, Europe and the San Juan islands of Washington state. A lover of nature, Jim's photographic collection reveals remarkable glimpses of the wonders of God's earthly creation.\t\t

Jim saw a vision for the redevelopment of the hospital district and the surrounding neighborhoods. He served as chairman of the board of Fort Worth South Inc. in its infancy and continued strong support, serving as the development officer after his retirement. He felt incredibly honored in 2002 by receiving the Kline-Watts award for his contribution to Fort Worth South. This award continues to be bestowed annually to outstanding members of the organization. Additionally, Jim received Fort Worth Business Press' Healthcare Heroes Award in 2003.

Jim served as chairman of the board and chief of staff of Medical Plaza Hospital. He was also president of the Dallas/Fort Worth Ob-Gyn Society, chair of the Maternal Welfare Committee for the Texas Medical Association and TMA liaison with the State Bar of Texas. He was a member of the Tarrant County and Texas Medical societies, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American College of Physician Executives.

As an adoring supporter of the arts, he served as a member of the boards of directors of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Fort Worth Opera Association, Hip Pocket Theater and the Arts Council of Tarrant County. He also served as a member of the Grievance Committee of the Tarrant County Bar Association and as a director of the American Heart Association. Jim was also a member of University Christian Church.

Five years ago, a new joy entered Jim's life. His first grandchild, Holt, was born. Loving, teaching and sharing his life with Holt brought to Jim renewed spirit, love and life's truest meaning.

Survivors: Wife of 25 years, Linda Maxwell Watts; daughter, Meredith Lynne Dorris and her husband, Hank; son, Brooke David Watts; brother, David Watts and his wife, Pat, of Grapevine; grandson, Holt Dorris; niece, Allison Watts; and nephews, Patrick Watts and his wife, Lydia, and John Watts and his wife, Michelle.