Jim was born in Huntsville, AL, on April 14, 1936, to the late Susan Spragins and the late James Foster Watts, Sr. He attended Episcopal Church of the Nativity while growing up in Huntsville. He graduated from Sewanee Military Academy in TN. Later he served as an officer in the US Army Infantry.
He earned his Masters of Science from Georgia Tech in Industrial Management. He was employed in Atlanta, GA, by Arthur Anderson for ten years before being hired by Guilford Mills in Greensboro, NC, where he retired as Senior Vice President in 1990.
Jim’s favorite hobbies included gardening, salmon fishing, reading, traveling and attending the Masters Golf Tournament. He and his wife, Tevis, enjoyed hosting their annual Kentucky Derby party for over 45 years.
Jim was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry for three years. He also served on a variety of boards including CSI and Rosboro Lumber Co. and St. Andrews-Sewanee School.
Jim is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Tevis Long, his two children, J. Foster Watts, III, and Leslie Watts Riffey (Jason), and grandchildren, Taylor, Hunter, Faith and Grace Riffey; sisters, Susie Margolin and Roberta Case, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The celebration of life service and reception will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4211 Wayne Rd., Greensboro, NC, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday October 26th, 2019
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to St. Andrews-Sewanee (290 Quintard Rd., Sewanee, TN 37375), All Saints Episcopal Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
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