James Franklin Watson

It is with deep sadness that we announce that James F. "Jim" Watson, 93, of Middletown, MD passed away on March 11, 2026, at Frederick Health Hospital.

Born on August 28, 1932 in Kellettville, PA, Jim lived a life marked by devotion to his family, faith, education and a love of sports.

Jim was the youngest son of Frank and Wilda Watson of Tionesta, PA. He grew up with his siblings Betty, Lin, Willard, and Faith, all of whom preceded him in death.

After graduating from college, Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army. His exceptional aptitude for mathematics earned him a position overseeing staff payroll in Nancy, France.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Slippery Rock University and completed a Master's in Education from Penn State University. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to teaching and inspiring young minds.

Jim began his teaching career in Tionesta, PA. In 1959, seeking new opportunities, he accepted a teaching position with ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia. After one year overseas, and missing his fiancée, he asked Ruth to fly to Lebanon to be married. They wed in a Christian church in Beirut in 1960 and honeymooned in Jerusalem.

Jim worked for ARAMCO for 17 years, living in the Abqaiq community where he and Ruth raised their three children: Kerry Walton (Michael), Nancy Beam (Bryant), and James Watson II. During this time, Jim started a popular rocketry program to engage students in math and science. He also coached the school baseball team and ran a junior tennis program alongside Ruth.

Upon returning to the U.S. in 1976, Jim continued his career in education with Frederick County Schools in Maryland. He taught middle school science until his retirement in 1998.

Jim's faith was central to his life. He served as Sunday School Superintendent and as President of the Protestant Fellowship when overseas, and worked with Ruth to instill strong Christian values in their family. His life verse was Micah 6:8.

A devoted husband and father, Jim shared a deep bond with Ruth that extended into their shared love of tennis. He taught her to play, and the sport became a family activity. Together they competed as tennis partners in local tournaments. Jim also excelled at baseball and basketball, as well as financial management; pursuits that reflected his analytical mind and competitive spirit.

Jim's legacy is one of love and service; for his beloved wife, Ruth, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and for his students, and for the Lord. His memory will live on through those whose lives he touched as an educator, friend, husband and father. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his grandchildren, Hayleigh Walton Corkey (Joseph), Christopher Walton, Jessica Beam, Michelle Beam, and great-grandchildren Kinsley and Caden Corkey. Sister-in-law Bonnalyn Smith was always a special part of his family.

Jim's final resting place will be at Warren Memorial Park in Warren, PA. There will be a private service held at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home.