James Angus Watson III

1928 - 2022

James Angus Watson III, 94, of Charlottesville, Virginia died on November 3, 2022. Born August 1, 1928 in Washington, DC, he was the son of James Angus Watson Jr. and Mildred Murray Watson. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary B. Watson and two brothers, David Watson and Charles Watson. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jenifer Chazal Watson and three children, James A. Watson IV (Anne) of Lusby MD, Joan Watson Hessler (Robert) of Naples FL, and Jenifer Watson Moore of Crozet, VA. His grandchildren are: Elizabeth Watson Keddy, Michael Watson, Danny Watson, Emily Watson, Abby Watson, Matthew Watson, Douglas Hessler, Erin Hessler, Sarah Hessler Rodriguez, and Gus Moore. His great grandchild is Charlotte Keddy. James attended Randolph Macon Academy and Landon High School before attending Lehigh University, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve, then began a career managing, then owning Watson Automotive Equipment Company of Arlington VA, Baltimore, MD and Mount Airy, MD. After retiring, he and Jenifer lived in Oxford, MD, Naples FL, Queenstown MD, Williamsburg VA, Warrenton VA, Crozet VA and Charlottesville VA. His passion for creative engineering included projects for NASA in the pre-Apollo years, building a cabin on Broad Creek, restoring classic boats, and fixing up a ski cottage at Wintergreen. The classic wooden Chris-Craft cruiser garnered him a best in show award. James will be interred at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, DC at a date to be determined. Cards can be sent to his daughter, Jenifer Moore for delivery to his wife Jenifer Watson at 417 Fennel Road, Crozet, VA 22932. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21043. Condolences may be posted to the family at legacy.com. Please sign the Guestbook at www.legacy.com/washingtontimes