John J. Watson

1950 - 2024

John J. Watson

December 12, 1950 - August 5, 2024

BLOOMINGTON - John J. Watson, 73, of Bloomington, passed away at 6:30 p.m. on August 5, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be arranged at St. Mary's cemetery at a later date. Cremation was at his request.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Catholic, University High, and the humane society.

John married his highschool sweetheart Lorraine, in 1970. They celebrated 54 years of marriage. Everyone deserves a fairytale once in their life and he felt he kept his going for a lifetime. John had a daughter, Megan (deceased). He was also blessed to be able to bring up his grandson Mario. He left Mario with his gentleman ways letting him know your best is always enough. Mario will miss his grandfather-father immensely.

Born in Bloomington IL, on December 12, 1950, to Joseph Roland (deceased) and Harriet Kidwell (deceased) Watson. He graduated in the class of '68 from Central Catholic (Trinity High). He told his father to keep and enjoy his college fund as he went to Illinois Power (Ameren) and completed a three-year forestry apprenticeship and a four-year electrical distribution apprenticeship. He went into management and had many different positions all being connected to people while serving the Illinois area. He oversaw the installation of the underground network in the downtown area. He put off retirement when asked by Ameren to stay another five years. Thinking he would be restless if retired but after retiring he found out quickly he loved being home with his family. His advice to others was to "retire as soon as you can, life is very good."

He shared many vacations with family. He loved Mexico with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Annette and Robert Rush, and nephews, Robert and John (deceased). He loved Colorado snowmobiling where it was inevitable to pull his wife from a snowbank not once but often! Alaska was a favorite with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sheryl and Larry Brown. Taking a helicopter to a glacier, landing and getting out on a glacier to make snow angels. Nephew, Brad Brown, wife Stephanie, great-nephew, Lane.

John had two brothers, Gary, and Gary's three children, Joe, Chris, and Amanda. A brother Kenneth Paul Tudor, wife Kimberly, who were with John during his final days. They shared the lives of their three boys, nephews Hunter, John Paul, and Chase. They have continued to ensure Lorraine and Mario are loved and protected in John's absence.

A special thank you to Kristin Jackson, Sara Gammage Volker for their vigils and unselfish friendships during this time. Both are like daughters to John and Lorraine.

Sleep well John you will be greeted with many open arms.

Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com.