James Watt

1932 - 2015

Watt, James L.
James Lowrie Watt died peacefully on December 16, 2015 at Masonicare of Newtown in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. James was predeceased by his wife Shirley Dee Taber Watt of Ithaca, NY and his parents, William and Elizabeth Watt. He leaves his daughter, Kimberly Taber Bassett of Sandy Hook, CT and her two children, McGarry Hunter and Kennedy Taber, and his son James Chad Watt along with his wife Lynn and children Colin, Tyler and Hallie of Somers, CT. James was born June 20, 1932 in Stamford, Connecticut. He was raised on the upper east side of Manhattan by his loving parents who had emigrated from Beith, Scotland. Growing up he was involved in the The Brick Presbyterian Church and the Boy Scouts, sailing hand-made boats in Central Park and learning the stills of camping, boating, and fishing. He graduated from Haaren High School, New York City and joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He served in the Strategic Air Command's "Bastard 8th" in Florida and South Dakota until he was honorably discharged as an Airman 1st Class in 1956. While in the service he became a Mason with Rapid City Lodge 25 and graduated photo-engraving school in Chicago, IL. Returning to live in NYC James was a longstanding member of Clan MacKenzie of the Order of Scottish Clans (Fraternal). Following his father, he held the position of Clan Chieftain. James worked at Walker Printing in New York City and later at Graphic Color Plate in Stamford, CT. He married the love of his life, Shirley Dee Taber on April 28, 1963 and together they moved to the Lordship section of Stratford, CT. They welcomed two children into their family; Kimberly and Chad, and he was a devoted father to them. In Lordship they found a vibrant community. He enjoyed being a part of the Lordship Fathers Club, P.Y.E and was a long standing member of the Lordship Community Church. In later years he took up painting and wooden bird carving, both of which he became skilled at. Having learned to fly as a young man, he was an aviation enthusiast as well as a history buff that particularly enjoyed the Civil War and World War II eras. He was a generous, funny, and an unfailingly kind man who always had a twinkle in his eye, a bad joke and a good word for all. He was a good Scot and a gentleman to the end. He would like to thank Vitas Hospice and Masonicare of Newtown for their support, as well as his many friends, especially the wonderful neighbors of Fifth Avenue in Lordship who made his life so rich. Arrangements are private. Spread kindness and think of him.