My deepest sympathies to the family. I'll always remember Mr. Watson as one of my favorite high school teachers.

So sorry for your loss. I have very fond childhood memories of your father when we would be at Aunt Lucy's. Also we kept in touch over the years via phone. Both he and your mom visited us 10-12 years ago. We were forever discussing our family history. I will miss those calls.

On behalf of the TN State Sons of the American Revolution, I express our sincere condolences to you. By his involvement in SAR, James was committed to the enduring values of freedom and liberty. We trust that his commitment to those values lives on in his legacy to you. May you be comforted and strengthened during this time of loss. God bless you.

Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers as you begin to heal.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Your father was a kind giving person who will be missed by many. Celeste, you were wonderful in the care of your father and you are blessed. Keep strong in your faith.

Dear Celeste and James: Having taught with your dad several years at ORHS, I knew him to be such a talented man, good at so many of his interests and excellent in the classroom. He was a professional. I am sorry for your loss of him, and for your having to adjust now to savoring his memory. My sincerest sympathy.

I am sorry for your loss. I know you will miss your dad. The memories you have of him will always be yours. You'll cherish them forever. He loved you very much. My heart and prayers are with you.

Celeste -
my condolences on the passing of your father. 
he had a very congenial way about him from this
student's perspective, and I know he made a difference
in the education of many others. - Linda Connolly.

I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful colleague who cared about kids and the community. I enjoyed talking with him in the faculty lounge and hearing him tell stories.-Sylvia Woods

Jim helped begin Old Beaver Ridge Cemetery Association.  He faithfully attended the first meetings.  He created the booklet which we give for a donation.  Thank you , Celeste, we appreciate your sharing him with us.

One of the greatest things my father gave Jim and I was a good education. He kept us active in sports and piano. Not only was Dad an educator, he was a tour guide. Every car ride included lectures on buildings, landscapes, family history, or even simply how to drive. When he wasn't talking, Dad sang along to opera on the radio. Most of all, Dad had a big heart. He was incredibly proud of everything we accomplished in life. After retiring, Dad received a new opportunity to play educator, tour guide, and sports fan when the grandchildren came into our lives. Being around the kids made him happiest, except of course when he found a new Revolutionary ancestor to add to the family tree. My father was a good man who led an extraordinary life. I will miss him every day.

I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for letting us know. He was a good historian and member! - Jerry A. Creasey, SOR

I am sorry to hear about Jim. We never met, but I enjoyed the correspondence and conversation. My wife an I both were his distant cousin. I am on the OVTA trail at present and regret that I will not be able to attend services. You have my regards and regrets. He will be missed.

    I will always remember Jim as a colleague who contributed a great deal to education. He will be missed.

                                  Cassandra Osborne

Mr. Watson was my favorite teacher at ORHS. I will always remember him with a smile. My condolences to his family.

Condolences to family and friends. He taught very clearly and with good humor to keep those morning classes more bearable. He was also a wonderful photography mentor. 20 years later I still recall and use daily what I learned in his classes, and from him. Deeply saddened by his passing.

Dear Watson Family:

Although I never Had Mr. Watson as a teacher... I do recall him in the hallways... always had a good word or a hello for everybody.... May you find peace and comfort in the knowledge that he has gone on ahead to prepare a place for you ....  Rest In peace Mr. Watson.

Mr. Watson was one of my teachers at ORHS. He was such a wonderful kind-hearted teacher and mentor who always had the class smiling. He will greatly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. I send my deepest condolences to Celeste and his entire family and friends.
Sheri Levine Harmon

I have so many fond memories of Mr. Watson. He was my physics teacher and Key Club advisor almost 20 years ago, and I can truly say he is one of the most kind-hearted and memorable teachers I ever had. And he was a such a great storyteller!  I can still remember so many of the funny stories he used to tell us. I was also lucky enough to get to know Mr. Watson a little outside of school, since Celeste was one of my good friends in high school.  My thoughts and prayers are with Celeste and all of Mr. Watson's loved ones during this difficult time.

I taught with Mr. Watson at ORHS beginning in 1990 and also helped with Key Club for a year. He was such a kind person. May you feel God's presence during this time.

To the family of Watson,
My thoughts and prayers go out for your family during this time of the home going celebration of Mr. Watson,  he was  my teacher many yrs ago. He taught me alot and made learning fun and easy to understand. God bless your family.

I an very sorry to hear of his passing. Jim was my Earth Sciece Teacher, at ORHS, but most importantanly, he was a friend and mentor. a genuinely kind and wel-liked man whose life touched many students and certainly made a difference in mine. God bless. Rest in Peace. - Kathy Donaldson Sullivan ORHS class of 1972

Please except my condolence for your lost of your love one.  May Mr. Watson rest in peace and smile upon you and your family from the heaven above.   We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I am saddened to hear of his passing. I have known him since I was a sophomore at ORHS. His wisdom and humor helped to make each day brighter and he helped to guide me on my path. My role as a science teacher began in his class. My world is a better place for having had him in it.

I remember him fondly as a teacher at ORHS. I always looked forward to his class because I actually learned alot in there. I'm so sorry for your loss and my condolences are with you and your family during this time.

Celeste and Jim,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you endure the too soon loss of your father.  We've had many wonderful remembrances of Jim over the years and I can still recall how delighted I was in the late 60's to discover that I had another 1st cousin.   And although job changes moved us from the Knoxville area many years ago, we always stayed in touch and visited when we could.  Jim's long and passionate genealogy research brought us many interesting facts about our Watson heritage and we often exchanged information, new and old, about our families.  May God grant you peace and serenity in this time of sorrow. With all of our love,

MAJ Watson, sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My prayers are with you and your family. 

SGM Hatchett

Terry, math teacher at Jefferson Middle for many years, and I have you in our prayers. Your loss is heaven's gain. I especially loved Jim's voice and his beautiful smile and demeanor. He once told me I was lovely and that lifted my spirits as it still does to this day. Brenda Brewer

I always enjoyed him as a teacher. He was always positive and had a great sense of humor. I was his student aide  for 2 years and had a blast. Condolences to his family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Watson Family.  
I am so sorry for your loss.
Theresa Russell

Jim,
I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. I have read almost every message and could not agree more that your dad was one of the best and helped raise a great son and daughter. I never had him as a teacher, but he definitely impacted my life because I don't think he knew a stranger. I will always be grateful. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr Watson was my teacher at Oak Ridge High School (class of '85) for Earth Science, Chemistry, Oceanography and the closest thing I had back then to a life coach. I looked forward to his class every day. He made learning fun and relevant. He donated a lot of his time to sponsor the Key Club, of which I was a member and president. Jim taught us the importance of giving and doing for others, as well as nurturing and helping us to overcome our fears in public speaking. Lessons I learned from him and his life stories help me in all I do to this day. A few years ago, around the time of my 25th High School reunion, I had the opportunity to visit Jim in his home in Karns and introduce my family to the man who was so important to me as a youth. He still had that big smile and enthusiasm for life that made me fall in love with him all those years ago. I treasure that time with him. James and Celeste, I remember you as young children when he held Key Club gatherings at his home in Powell. He was so proud of you! To his grandchildren, believe me, I know what you are talking about when you say he was an ideal grandfather. You were very lucky to have him. God bless you all! --Joel Mosko jmosko@comcast.net

I took science classes from Mr. Watson at ORHS in the 70s and graded papers for him one year.  He was one of my favorite teachers.  Please accept my condolences on your loss.

MAJ Watson and Family,

Our Hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God continue to bless, keep, and confort you during your time of sorrow. With Love from your Ragin' Lions Family.

MAJ Watson and family, 

May God bless you and comfort you during this time.  My prayers go out to you and your family.  

CPT Natasha Fultz

MAJ Watson, Sorry for your loss. My Prayers go out to you and your family at this time. May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Celeste and James, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I enjoyed your father's friendship over many years, and for this I am thankful. He was almost always up-beat and I felt better after talking to him. He was very knowledgeable especially in the field of science, and we shared many interests in that area.He was my son's physics teacher so we had much to talk about.
I know that family was at the top of his list and he enjoyed sharing information concerning his family. You can be proud of your father's accomplishments and the part he played in the lives of others.
We have many happy memories of Jim and his family, and we send our deepest sympathy to each of you, Dewie and Suzanne Bilbrey

This is for my wonderful children Jimmy and Celeste and all the grandchildren and our pets: kids your Father, Grandfather, was a wonderful person, so intelligent and full of love for all of us. He had a singing voice that was so beautiful that it would make you cry. Yes, we will all surley miss him.

Love, Mom and Mike

Mr. Watson was my yearbook photo advisor and science teacher at ORHS.  He was a great person to know and taught me a lot.  His son was also a good friend of mine.  My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time.

James was my friend in the Sons of the Revolution. He will be missed here but he has gone home to Jesus.

My Grandpa  Jim was the best Grandpa you could think of. It was hard to let go but now I know that he is in a better place. He is always in my heart and the fun times we had will always stay with me.

Love, Trinity Celeste Watson

This is for my wonderful children Jimmy and Celeste, all the grandchildren and our pets: kids your father, grandfather was a wonderful person, so intelligent and full of love for all of you. He had a singing voice that was so beautiful that it would make you cry. Yes we will all surley miss him.
Love, Mom and Mike

I love you Big Jim more than  you would have ever known. I am so grateful and lucky to have had the opportunity to have you in my life and as my grandpa. You accepted me when you didn't need to and loved me like I was your own family. You have helped me in so many ways that I couldn't even list because you have done so much. You will forever be in my heart and will forever be a great singer that will now sing to me from the heavens above. I love you and will miss more than ever. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you...

My heartfelt sympathies to the family on your loss.  You are in my prayers Celeste.

My prayers and love are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you shared together.

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. My deepest sympathy to the Watson family.

I am a member of the Singing Seniors at the O'Connor Centers. I shall miss Jim. I recall his telling some of us when we sang at the Veterans Nursing Home that his family had owned a farm at that property at one time. Mary Muir

He must have been a very good man because he raised a wonderful daughter. Thoughts and condolences to the family.

Although we did not know your father the CMI team recognizes what a great man he must have been to raise such a passionate, smart and caring leader and this does not just happen by accident. Parents have a significant play in this and we recognize your father today for the great man and his legacy. We support you and your family during this time. Sincerely, CMI team.

We are so sad to hear of your dad's death- we will pray for your comfort in the days and weeks ahead.  Although we did not know him, we know whom he raised and are sure that you were his pride.

There is a poem by Ann Landers which I tried to include in this guestbook. Unfortunately, it did not work out. It's called "My Father When I Was..." It was included in her column on Fathers Day in the early 1990's and has been quoted and rewritten many times and in many places over the years. I cannot express my relationship and love for my father any better than this little poem. I will miss you, Daddy. What am I going to do without you?

As a child, when we knew our Uncle Jim was coming or we were going to see him we knew it was "fun time." He was always in a fun mood and we enjoyed being around him.I remember one winter we had a dusting of snow so we could not sleigh ride. Uncle Jim had some of his former students with him so he suggested we load up and go to the Smoky mountains to find the snow.We did and spent the afternoon sleigh riding.Through my adult years Uncle Jim was always concerned about me and showed me compassion and love.It is that compassion and love from him and others that has helped me get through the tough times and become the man and father I am today.He will be greatly missed by me and my family.

Dad,
I feel that I can call you that after all the time we have shared and all the memories you shared with me and the ones you made with me and the kids. When your son first brought me home to meet you I was so scared after hearing all of your honors and accolades. How could I possibly fit in? Little did I know that I would be meeting the man I would soon after be calling dad. You took me into your heart, your arms, your home, and your family. 
When Jim went to Iraq you stood over me like a protective father and helped me to care for the children and myself. From picking up Trinity, of course with your freshly made grandpa sign in the window, to taking Charles to the skate park, and lastly standing guard as Katlyn's date picked her up for her first dance. You have been there. 
 You raised two wonderful children with love, compassion, encouragement, and faith. For that I am grateful as both have impacted my life is such wonderfully meaningful ways. And your love and lessons live on through your son as he fathers his children, much in the same way as you. 
I am so honored to have met and spent these last seven years with you dad. I will miss you dearly and the talks we used to have about life, love, family, and foundations. I once talked to you about a old tree that was weathered and beaten but year after year, storm after storm, that tree stood firm. I mentioned to you how that tree, its presence and strength gave me hope that I to could weather whatever life threw at me. I remember you telling Jim my story and hearing you cry as you recited it. Dad over these years you have been my tree. I will see you again and I promise to stand my ground until then.
I love you.
Your Daughter Kristen

My family wishes our condolences to Jim's family.  He had became a good friend over the years in the SAR. Jim was a great guy and quick to tell all of his pride of family. He will be missed.

 Unlce Jim was a very caring, understanding, and loving man.  During my childhood he always had a way to make me smile and could pull some great pranks. Through the years, I always enjoyed speaking with him about our family heritage, sharing stories about my grandfather, and the many discoveries he had made during his research.  Uncle Jim was instrumental and encouraging as I worked my way through college last year.  With his support and guidance, I graduated with honors.   My Unlce Jim was not only a mentor, he was a special part of my life. I will miss his kind words of inspiration and our conversations we had over the years.  Thanks for always being there for us Unlce Jim!

Charlie and I are thinking of all of you and remembering you in our prayers.  We have many very special memories of all the Watson Family.

MAJ Watson, Kristen, and the entire Watson Family...may your strength and peace be multiplied today and in the coming days. May your hearts not be troubled but your memories of your loved one refreshened. Many prayers for each of you.

I will remember my Uncle Jim not only because of the man he was but, by how he patiently helped me. I was having trouble in high school with algebra to the point I was going to fail. He tutored me and was so patient and kind to me during my sessions. He took his time with me and made our sessions fun. Not all of the session was algebra because he would tell me of my family history and show me research he had done. Because of him our family history will be known and shared. He made everything interesting and not like a lesson. I graduated and made a B in algebra. Uncle Jim was very intelligent, interesting and fun. I wish I could have had more time with him.

Jim and Kristen,

Grekii and I deepest condolences go out to you and your Family. We will keep you and the Family in ours prayers.

Memories of my brother, my best friend, are too numerous to mention them all.  I do want to share my first memory of Jim.  In September of 1966, I was 18 years old, when a young man, then 26, came to our door.  He had earlier been told that his sister's engagement picture was in the paper, which was mine.  Not knowing I existed, he did some research and found me, his father, and my mother who later became a loving mother figure to him.  Not knowing he had a sister, not knowing I had a brother, our journey began.  From that day forward, the bond we developed was a strong and loving one.  The heart felt talks, the sharing of our lives, the amazing bond we developed will forever be in my heart.  We were inseparable in those early years.  He involved me in his life, introducing me to his world, family and friends as I introduced mine to him.  We helped each other through some difficult times in our lives.  We laughed together, we cried together, we shared with each other things we could not or would not share with others.  Most of all, we were there for each other through all the years.  We were, as mother and daddy said often, “You both are like two peas in a pod”.  Oh, what fun we did have.

I was and I am now so proud of the achievements he made in his life, the man he was as a brother, son, father, grandfather, teacher and in all his endeavors.  

The last visit I had with Jim, before I left, I kissed him on his forehead as I always did, told him to give me a smile which he did, although it was one of his silly ones, and I told him I loved him.  Now, I give him a smile and again say, I love you and will miss you terribly.

Jimmy and Celeste, I hold you both close in my heart.

I'm not sure what happened to the message I posted earlier today.  But rather than let this day pass without expressing my thoughts, I'll risk repeating myself.

I met Mr. Watson through one of his greatest sources of pride; his daughter Celeste.  Also through Celeste I met another of his greatest sources of pride, his son Jim.  As time passed, I met the extended family and friends.  
Celeste and Jim, I hope that the pride your father got from your many and varied accomplishments eases some of the pain you must be going through.  Jim, I watched your father sit up a little straighter any time he saw you in your dress uniform.  Celeste, when he saw your name published in the program for your swearing-in his eyes actually twinkled and misted over.  All it ever took to get a smile out of Mr. Watson was to mention his children and his grandchildren.  
Mr. Watson gave many gifts to all of us; the love of learning, beautiful music, and a respect for history.  Jim and Celeste, your father and your mother gave us an even greater gift.  They gave us two of the best people I know.  They created, nurtured, and encouraged two very accomplished individuals.  
Never forget how proud your father was of you both. May the music he so loved be with you every day.  I hope that you can feel your father's comforting presence each time you encourage anyone to learn something new.  
Mr. Watson (and I will always think of him as "Mr. Watson) will be sorely missed.  But the legacy he left will linger forever.  He taught so many so very much.  
I pray that the strong family bond you share will provide you comfort and solace in this sad time.  My husband and I offer our deepest condolences for your loss.

James Watson III, most people knew him as Jim or or Mr. Watson but to me he was Big Jim, a loving caring man that would move mountains to see a smile on anyone's face. Big Jim was the best grandfather that I could ask for, I am so thankful to have been able to call him my grandpa. I will greatly miss him and cherish the memories that I have made with him. I will always carry him in my heart. I love you Big Jim.

Jim was a good man and I was honored to know him through the SAR and SOR organizations. He will be thoughtfully remembered by all.

I am saddened by the passing of a friend.  Jim was one of my first acquaintances when I relocated into the Knoxville area and we e-mailed each other steadily.  I often wondered if I would have the courage and stamina Jim faced daily if I were to be afflicted in the same way.  RIP, Jim.  You are missed.

Jim and Kristin, 

We are truly sorry for your family's loss. May GOD continue to bless you in your time of need.

Our prayers go out to the Watson family. My family and I had the honor of serving with James and Kristen Watson in Okinawa and their love, honor, and respect for family and friends is what defines them. We will always be here for you.

Children, Family, and Friends,

Grandpa Jim, Big Jim, Teacher Jim, Jimmy and Celeste's Dad, Coach, Tutor, Scientist, Nephew, Volunteer, Deacon, Student,  and of course dad. 

It is not very often that we encounter someone in our lives who can impact the world on varying levels. James Rule Watson, III was one of those people.  My father was known to so many people by various names and experiences. He was a man of knowledge, culture, experience and love. He cared for so many and gave selflessly to others throughout his life. He took great pride in his ability to impact the world. This is evident in his choices throughout his life and continuous push toward a profession of service to others. If we take a snapshot in time and truly think of his impact in one area such as teaching, we know he taught for thirty-two years,  four quarters of classes per school year, averaging 4 classes a day per quarter with an average of 25 students per class that is 12,800 students he taught, coached and impacted. 

Over the last twenty-four hours I have been lost in my own mind. I have gone through a wide range of emotions from anger to extreme sadness. I have began taking inventory of my memories of my father and cried in the presence of others while telling a wide range of stories that previously seemed anecdotal but not provide comfort to myself and family. So now as I pause for a moment and reflect on my father's life, I take solace in knowing that I am the man I am today because of him. I hope that each of you can also take solace in knowing that if you had ever met my father I guarantee that your life was impacted for the better from the interaction.

I knew Jim W.  as  an  Education  BS degree student at  U.T. Knoxville. We had student  teaching together   at  Bearden in Knoxville. I moved to Oak Ridge  in    1973, from State of GA, and my two daughters went through Oak Ridge school system. They were lucky enough  to  have Jim Watson as  their  teacher  , perhaps more than one class. When jim  retired, we were in contact  now and then by phone, mostly by  e-mail. I  will  miss my long  term  friend, I will miss him  a lot. I encourage the children  remember   all  his accomplishments,  his love of his family, and his  career and avocation  accomplishments.   To me he was  intellect, humor, friendship. Jim Harless.
Jim Harless.  Oak Ridge, TN.  9-27-2014

Jim was extremely intelligent and diversified. His pride in his children and grandchildren was most endearing. May you take some solace from that and I offer my condolences.

OBITUARY

James Rule Watson III

May 12, 1940 – September 26, 2014

Sherwood Chapel & Memorial Gardens

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