James WATTS

WATTS, James T.
Jim died suddenly on July 7, 2014 at St. Luke's Medical Center, New Hartford, U.S. He was ninety years old. Jim was born in St. Lambert, Que. December 16, 1923 and was the son of the late Ernest and Lillian Kell Watts. Jim married Audrey Ruth Brown September 29, 1945 in Farnham, Que. after returning from duty overseas. He was a Canadian POW as a soldier of the Black Watch Regiment (RHR). Practically every man in his regiment was killed and Jim honoured their memories as a life member of the Black Watch of Canada. He played tuba in the Black Watch Regiment Marching Band for many years and was a member of the Masons all of his adult life. Directly post-war, Jim and Audrey were married for fifty-five years until Audrey's death January 9, 2000. They became the proud parents of two sons Dr. Craig S. (Debra Barrie), Beaconsfield, Que. and Ryan J. (Lynne Moshinsky), Downington, PA. He often stated having a doctor and a lawyer for sons, he was in great shape. Jim was a loving grandfather to four granddaughters, Quinn, Alyssa, Kyra, and Lauryn. Jim remarried August 11, 2001, in Ilion, NY. He is survived by his dear wife Gloria Primmar Weller and his attentive stepchildren Todd and Carole Weller, Saratoga, NY, Pam and David Lawrence, Ilion, NY, and Pricilla and Michael LeMay, Ilion, NY. Jim is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Matthew and Calin Lawrence and son Aidan, Timothy Lawrence, Rebecca Weller, Matt and Kathryn Zembo and children Ella and Alexander, and Shelley and Alex LeMay. Jim's life in Ilion was active with his enlarged family and community. Last October, Jim enjoyed a ninetieth birthday celebration in Saratoga Springs with his blended family. Jim was a beloved brother of a large family. As the second youngest son, his siblings have predeceased him except for his younger sister Nellie Williams of Kingston, Ont. His brothers were William C. (eldest) and Charles R. (youngest). His late sisters were Agnes Smith, Ethel Cunningham, Ada Bailey, Jenny Saunders, Lily MacArthur, and Alice Rutter. He was much loved by numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Jim had a unique profession. He was one of a very few apprenticed tea tasters in North America. He was employed in the U.S. and Canada by Salada, Tetley and lastly, National Tea throughout his career. He enjoyed trips to tea growing countries and the art of blending tea for consumption. Golf was also an enjoyable pastime for him until a few years ago. Jim took great pride and pleasure in talking to students about his wartime experience, so that his fellow soldiers memories will not be forgotten. A Wednesday Service for Jim's family and friends in Ilion, N. Y. was held. In Montreal, the Funeral for family and friends will be held at Urgel Bourgie Ltée 3955 de la côte-de-Liesse, Saint- Laurent, QC H4N2N6 (514-748-6171). Visitation will be from 12-2 on Friday, July 11, 2014. The Funeral will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Jim's name to the Black Watch Regiment (RHR) of Montreal.