Obituaries

JAMES HARRY WATTS SGT. MAJOR USMC (Ret)
December 6, 1923 ~ April 16, 2009

James Harry Watts, of Charlotte, formerly of Winston-Salem, NC, died peacefully on April 16, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He was the son of the late Margaret Nash and James Harry Watts. He was born on December 6, 1923 in Lumberton, NC.
Mr. Watts enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1940. In May of 1941 he was one of approximately 60 Marines chosen from throughout the Corps to guard the American Embassy in London during the early days of World War II. He participated in the North African Campaign, landing at Arzew, Algiera in October 1942. While attending Sea School in Portsmouth, Virginia in June of 1944 he met his future wife, Augustine Jackson of Dunn, NC. They were married on November 11, 1944. Mr. Watts was stationed on board the USS Oklahoma City, serving in the Pacific from December 1944 until February 1946. From July 1950 until September 1951 Mr. Watts served with the 1^st Marine Division, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marines during the Korean War, participating in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. He retired from active duty with the rank of Sergeant Major in 1964 and from the Fleet Reserves in 1970.
Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Mr. Watts worked for Superior Stone in Salisbury, NC. In 1968 he joined J.W. Burress, Inc. in Winston-Salem, NC. He retired from his position as Service Manager in 1986.
Mr. Watts enjoyed following both NASCAR and Formula One racing. He had a fondness for British sports cars and owned several over the years. A particular favorite was a beautiful but exasperating 1960 Jaguar XK150 that he restored in the early 1970’s.
In retirement he took up the hobby of creating toy soldiers, casting the lead forms and hand painting each one. He also volunteered with the American Cancer Society. He especially enjoyed flying kites with his grandchildren on the beach during family vacations.
Mr. Watts was a longtime member of First Christian Church in Winston-Salem where he served as a Deacon and was a member of the Opportunity Class. He truly enjoyed spending time with friends in the Tuesday morning Men's Lunch Bunch until failing health made it too difficult for him to attend. In May of 2008 he moved to Charlotte to be closer to his daughter and son-in-law.
Along with his parents Mr. Watts was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Augustine Jackson Watts and his brother H. G. Ludington of Indiana.
Surviving are his children Marilyn Osborn and husband Richard of Farmville, VA, James H. Watts III and wife Eveline of Boone, NC, and Roberta Hayes and husband Colin of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Nash Osborn, Jim Osborn, James (Jake) Watts IV,  Mariska Watts and Ian Watts. He is also survived by his sister Roberta McCarthy of Sarasota FL, and brother Abner Sargent and wife Joyce of  Leesburg, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Our father was truly defined by his military career and his family is eternally grateful for and proud of his faithful service to our country as well as his undying devotion, love, and support of his family throughout his life.
The family would like to thank the care managers, nurses, and staff at Brighton Gardens of Charlotte, where he lived for the past year for all of their help and kindness. We would also like to thank Dr. David Miller of Charlotte for his ongoing care of our father and Dr’s Marsh and Rickey and the nurses on 4 Tower at CMC for their compassionate care of our father during his last days.
A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Watts will be held at First Christian Church 2320 Country Club Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27104 on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at 2 PM with Dr. Mike Simpson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Taylor Hall. Inurnment will follow at the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church in Winston-Salem or the charity of one’s choosing. Arrangements are in the care of JB Tallent Funeral Service and Crematory in Charlotte, NC.