James Dewayne "Jim" Watson

1943 - 2026

James Dewayne "Jim" Watson

April 25, 1943 - February 13, 2026

James Dewayne "Jim" Watson, 82, of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away on February 13, 2026.

Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church. The Revs. Donald A. Buhrman, Mark A. Maresh, and Wajid Masih, will concelebrate. Interment will be held in Burwick Cemetery in Cairo, NE with a 2 p.m. committal service. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel with a vigil service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. You are welcome to sign Jim's guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Jim's obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Jim was born April 25, 1943, and was raised in Grand Island, NE. Jim graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1961. He began his career with New Holland in 1965 as one of the first employees hired at the Grand Island facility and retired in 1998 after more than 30 years of service. He also farmed from 1980 to 2002 and served four years as a Howard County Commissioner. On August 25, 1962, Jim married Elaine Michalski. They shared 63 years of marriage and raised five children, Lori (Gartner), Brian, Matt, Shelly (Szlanski), and Seth. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Jim helped start U-Betcha Auto with friends Dave and Jerry Sack and was known for his strong business instincts. A devout Catholic, he was active in parish life and led the Lenten fish fries for many years. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, time on the water, and connecting with people.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.