James M. Watson

March 20, 1938 – December 17, 2025

James Morgan Watson, a lifelong explorer, animal lover, music enthusiast, and accomplished mechanical engineer, passed away on December 17, 2025 at the age of 87. He will be remembered most for his deep curiosity, adventurous spirit, and quiet love for life in all its forms.

Born in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 1938, James was the son of Dorothy Louise Crown of Mount Rainier, Maryland, and Morgan Steele Watson of Jakin, Georgia. He spent his childhood in Riverdale, Maryland, showing early signs of intellectual curiosity and a love of learning that would shape his entire life, once serving as a student announcer for school radio performances and even competing on a CBS educational broadcast in 1949. He was an active Boy Scout, achieving the rank of Eagle. With his father serving as scout leader, he traveled to Philmont as an Explorer. He was also an active member of DeMolay, rising to the position of Master Councilor. In 1959, he graduated from Northwestern High School.

James pursued higher education through a cooperative program with the U.S. Naval Ordnance Laboratory, which combined work and study. He earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, followed by a second Master's in Engineering Mechanics. He later taught at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute before embarking on a nearly five-decade career focused primarily on nuclear power systems for the U.S. Navy and civilian energy sectors.

Throughout his career, James held roles at the U.S. Naval Ordnance Laboratory, Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, AEA Technology, JJMA Technology, and Westinghouse, contributing to both military and civilian nuclear power projects. Known for his deep technical expertise and steady commitment, James retired in 2008 after a career defined by innovation, precision, and service.

Though James had a remarkable professional life, his greatest joys were found in his personal passions. A devoted traveler and hiker, he explored much of the United States and journeyed to countries such as Ethiopia, Morocco, China, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Norway. Many of those trips were taken with his wife, herself a devoted traveler after their marriage. As a young adult, he completed more than two-thirds of the Appalachian Trail and continued hiking throughout his life. Alongside his travels, he pursued photography in the days before smartphones. He presented slide shows to several organizations related to travel.

His love for animals was profound and lifelong. James cared for many creatures (cows, horses, dogs, cats) and even joined field research teams to study baboons in Ethiopia and muskoxen in Alaska, funding these expeditions himself. He had a deep respect for wildlife and nature and found peace in their presence.

James was also a passionate music lover, especially drawn to classical and country folk music. For more than a decade, he held annual season tickets to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and amassed a collection of hundreds of phonograph records.

Another of his great hobbies was collecting model trains. It even included trains from early 1930s. He recommended a specific engine to Mike's Train House, which the company produced. Over the years, he built an extensive and detailed collection of locomotives, streetcars, buildings, and miniature landscapes, a creative pursuit that perfectly combined his engineering mind with childlike wonder.

An avid reader, James's interests spanned science, history, and the natural world. Whether reading, hiking, listening to music, or watching animals, he remained a quiet observer with a boundless appreciation for life.

He enjoyed people and never insisted on having his own way; but rather appreciated whatever they brought to the relationship. Having an almost photographic memory, he could recall nearly everything he had ever read or seen. Family members always wanted him on their trivia team!

James is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jiang Watson; stepson, Yilun Zhao with his wife, Tzuufen Lee; sisters, Carolyn Watson and Kathleen Scott; six nieces and nephews, along with nine great nieces and nephews and three great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert S. Watson and a niece Maria Watson.

James Morgan Watson lived a life of depth, integrity, and wonder. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, December 27, 2025 1-2:30 p.m. at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC. (MONROEVILLE/PLUM CHAPEL) 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville (412-856-4747), where a prayer service will follow at 2:30 p.m. on December 27, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be given at www.jobefuneralhome.com

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