James Stuart Watt

JAMES STUART WATT After a lengthy illness, Jim passed away at home on May 21, 2013 in the presence of Barbara, his wife of 52 years. Born in Austin on August 4, 1939 at Seton Hospital, Jim attended Mrs. Eisley's preschool, University Preschool, Wooldridge Elementary, O Henry Middle School, University Jr. High, and Stephen F. Austin High School. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture, Entomology and Landscape Architecture. Surviving Jim are his wife, Barbara, son James Gavin, daughter, Allison Amanda Todd; and grandchild Faith Ann Watt-Haros. He was the son of Stuart and Dorrace Watt and grandson of former Governors of Texas James and Miriam Ferguson. Miriam (whom he called "Mama") and Jim had a special relationship and he had many treasured memories of "sleeping over" at her home on Windsor Road on the sleeping porch overlooking Enfield Road. Jim was a lifelong "Muny" golf course player who always preferred playing public courses. The Fourth of July Firecracker Tournament was his favorite annual tournament in which to play. Jim became a member of Hill City Masonic Lodge No. 456 A.F. & A.M. in October, 1966. He served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1974-75, and became a life member in 1977. In addition, he was a member of the Austin Scottish Bodies, the Austin York Rite Bodies and Ben Hur Shrine Temple. He was retired from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department after 37 years of service as a Landscape Architect working in development of numerous state parks. More recently he worked on the development of recreational sites and parks for small communities across the state. Jim was a lifelong and faithful member of St. David's Episcopal Church; a former Sunday School teacher, and acolyte. Following Jim's retirement, he developed a special interest in the Next-To-New shop, a retail consignment store that benefits St. David's Episcopal Church and numerous Austin charities. He was a regular volunteer at the shop, and served as chairman of the Board of Directors. The family wishes to especially thank Lori Gainer of St. David's Church for her friendship and pastoral care, Mike Newman, a friend and neighbor who visited and read to Jim daily in his last weeks, and Robinson Creek Hospice for their tenderness, love and care. Services will be held in historic St. David's Episcopal Church, 301 E. 8th St. at San Jacinto on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to St. David's Episcopal Church, The Settlement Home, or the Next-to-New Shop.