***A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 1 pm until 4 pm at the Rockford Ambulance, 8460 Schaner Ave NE Rockford, MI 49341***
Jim Wattson, age 90, of Grove City, FL, passed away on June 13, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a fall on June 10, 2023. Prior to his accident, as he would have chosen, he had just completed a round of golf with good friends on his 90th birthday.
He was born to Alfred and Helen Wattson on June 10, 1933, in Gaylord, MI. Jim graduated from Gaylord St. Mary High School in June of 1951 and then attended Aquinas College where he played basketball. This is where he married his sweetheart, Beverley Deitering, in May of 1953. They moved to Grand Rapids, MI, and started their family.
Life later brought them to Bedford, IN, Union City, GA, and Grove City, FL where he enjoyed working at Long Marsh Golf Club in Rotunda West and golfing at EVERY chance he got.
Jim is survived by his wife of 70 years, Beverley; children, Bill (Diane) Wattson, Sally Schwass, Kevin (Diane) Wattson, and Sue (Roger) DeHoek; grandchildren, Jordan Schwass, James (Julie Houck) Schwass, Tiffany (Brad) Poley, Mitchell (Vicky) Smigiel, RJ (Pam) DeHoek, and Ali (Noah) Reno; great-grand-children, Charlie Olivia Schwass-Houck, Riley Dean Schwass-Houck, Camdyn Poley, Emmett Poley, and Sutton Poley; sister, Patricia Nelson; and many cherished nieces and nephews along with grand nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind an extensive group of good friends at Long Marsh Golf Club who meant the world to him.
Jim was preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph; parents, Alfred and Helen Wattson; siblings, Kathleen Wattson, William Wattson, Betty (George) House, Edith (Ralph) Holewinski, Florence Wattson, Chuck (Mary) Wattson, and Alice (Bob) Metzger; brothers-in-law, Chuck Nelson, and Dwight Deitering; son-in-law, Dean Schwass; Bev’s parents, Rudy (Mary) Deitering; and several dearly loved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 1 pm until 4 pm at the Rockford Ambulance, 8460 Schaner Ave NE Rockford, MI 49341
7 comments on “James Alfred Wattson”
Uncle Jim, you will be missed. Your love of golf and zest for life were an inspiration. Rest In Peace. Sending prayers to the entire family.
Thank You soo much Kelly. He had a perfect day on Saturday. Played his eighteen holes of golf. Just what he liked doing. Golf with friends and than we were going out for dinner to celebrate his 90th birthday and our 70th wedding anniversary. Down hill the rest of the day!!!!! Keep in touch! Love you two!!!!
Uncle Jim, I just found this notice. Many times over the years I was always able to recall your sense of humor and immediately bring a smile to my face. There is no doubt that you will be seriously missed by so many.
I pray that they have an infinite number of golf courses in Heaven for you to enjoy!
God is with you, as always; but I pray for your recovery from such a great loss, Aunt Bev.
Jim Wattson was a member of Gaylord St. Mary’s basketball team that won the District Tournament held in Gaylord in March 1951. His teammates were Leroy and Red Fitzek, Bruno Mankowski, Ray McCoy (my brother), and Frank Smilowski. Joe Myers was the coach and manager Sam Kosiara. St. Mary’s was defeated in the Regional finals against Copemish at Traverse City. I was 11 years old at that time.
I offer my prayers for Jim Wattson.
Rich Thanks so much for helping us remember those days.
We appreciate your kind words.
Pat Wattson Nelson
What a smooth golf swing! Lucky enough to see him shoot his age.