Darin James Watts

Darin James Watts was born on June 3rd, 1966, in Browerville, MN. He was the youngest of four children born to Gene and Orla Watts. Growing up in Clarissa MN, Darin and his family were well known in the community and he loved sharing memories of the small-town life that he grew up in.

Darin graduated from Clarissa High School in 1984, he then followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the US Navy from 1985 to 1989. During his enlistment he was stationed on the newly christened USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) which was based out of Norfolk, VA working in Aviation Fuels on the flight deck.

After the Navy in 1989, Darin returned to Central and Northern Minnesota earning an A.A. degree from Fond du Lac Community College and graduating from St. Cloud State University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in applied psychology and gerontology. This marked the beginning of his career of helping others through Corrections and Human Services with various organizations and agencies throughout MN.

Darin's heart was for his family, particularly his children. He was blessed with the birth of his first son, Connor James Watts, in 1996 while living and working in Waite Park, MN. Shortly after, Darin moved to the Walker area in 1998 where he eventually met his wife, Jessica Ann Watts and her two children Colter James Smith (born 1996) and Jonathon Hunter Smith (born 1997). The two married on January 31st, 2004, where they then started a beautiful family together.

Darin and Jessica were blessed with two more children during the 21 plus years of marriage that followed, Logan Andrew Watts in 2004 and Brianna Grace Watts in 2007. The family made the Walker area their home for many years. Darin and his family briefly moved to the community of New Ulm, MN from 2010-2012, where he worked at Greater Minnesota Family Services. While in New Ulm, he also served in the Navy Reserve Seabee Construction Battalion out of NOSC Minneapolis. Darin and his family then returned to Walker, where he worked in the Beltrami County area until his retirement from the State of Minnesota in 2024.

Darin was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in August 2022, subsequently undergoing continuous treatment for over three years at the Sanford Bemidji Joe Lueken Cancer Center under the care of the St. Cloud VA. Even during this time, Darin remained strong, everyone admired his optimism and strength through the pain. He remained an inspiration to those around him.

Darin James Watts went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 16th, 2025, at the age of 59 years old.

Darin was quiet and kind in nature, he loved enjoying time with his family, watching sporting events, going hunting, and being outdoors. He held a special appreciation for wildlife and nature, admiring God's creation.

Darin is survived by his wife Jessica Watts, sister Kim Sobota, brothers Kent (Beth) Watts, Scott Watts, sons Connor Watts, Colter (Brittany) Smith, Jon Smith, Logan Watts, daughter Brianna Watts, grandchildren Emma Smith, Tucker Smith, Jax Smith, maternal aunt Kay Scott, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Darin was preceded in death by his father Eugene Watts, mother Orla Watts, maternal grandparents, and his paternal grandparents.