James Arthur Watson

James (Jim) Arthur Watson, 86, passed away Monday morning, June 2, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends.

Jim was born on January 28, 1939, to James and Dorothy (Weiner) Watson, in Green Bay, Wisconsin where he lived a full life. He attended St. Philip grade school and graduated from Premontre High School in 1957. Jim retired from Green Bay Packaging after more than 40 years and focused on his hobby as an antique collector and dealer at the Olde Orchard Antique Mall in Door County. For many years, he was a Red Wing stoneware and marble collector and self-proclaimed “junk man,” going to flea markets, rummage sales, and auctions.

Jim’s passions were hunting and fishing with his lifelong friends, brothers and sons. Affectionately nicknamed “Kodger” in his younger years, he enjoyed deer hunting in the Dunbar area, the times together at deer camp, rabbit hunting, trout fishing in the Pemenee, Pike, and the south branch of the Oconto River, and perch fishing in the bay. No fish fry compared to Jim’s. He regularly played sheepshead with the guys, wouldn’t miss a game on TV, always had jokes to share and endless fishing and hunting stories that his family heard maybe one too many times.

Even in his later years, Jim was always there for his daughter and grandchildren - daily phone calls, advice, playing cards, sorting marbles, sitting in the stands at football, basketball, baseball and volleyball games, watching dance recitals, celebrating birthdays, and even sending them off on the first days of school.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 45 years, Bonnie; daughter, Kellee (Eric) Boelter; grandchildren, Kyle, Logan, and Lauren Johnston; sons, Mark (Shelly Wetli) Watson and Jim (Traci) Watson (who always knew when the Brewers were on for dad), and Mike (Mary) Watson; daughters, Holly (Jason) Sulewski, and Cheryl (Rick) Beyer; 14 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a sister and brother-in law; and many nieces and nephews who loved their uncle Jim. Jim is reunited with his beloved parents, James and Dorothy; brothers, Jack and Jerry; and sister, Marianne Watson.

A gathering to honor and celebrate Jim will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025. A memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace in Green Bay with a visitation at 10 a.m. followed by mass at 11 a.m. The celebration of life will continue with a luncheon at Stadium View at 12:30 p.m.