James "Jim" Carl Watson

James Carl “Jim” Watson, 84, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on October 31, 2026. He was born on October 18, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina where he met his wife, Judith Ann Harrell Watson and together enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Between North Carolina and Tennessee, he was a man who put family first and was always there when you needed him.

He dedicated his career to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, advancing from pipefitter to supervisor. Despite his professional success, he lived by a simple, enduring philosophy: make the best of what you have and work hard. He enjoyed shag dancing at Carolina Beach, grabbing hot donuts at Britt’s Donuts, boating at Masons Inlet with his family, visiting with his brothers and sister each summer at Middle Sound, and making breakfast for his kids and grandkids. He loved his grandchildren beyond measure.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dollie Mae Brown Watson and Carl Watson; his brother, Archie Carey “AC” Watson; his son, Donald Howard Ettel (Shelly); his grandson, Zachary France Ettel.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Ann Harrell Watson; his siblings, Carlene McKeithan (Donald) and George “Sonny” Watson; his children, Janey Lynn Watson Roth and Jimmy Watson (Rachel); and grandchildren, Taylor Ettel, Emily Roth, Halley Roth Sevier (Mitchell), Alexis Davis, Kylie Watson, Logan Watson, James Watson, Jama Keller, Jaxon Watson, Lenox Watson, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Receiving of friends will be held at 5-7pm on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Weaver Funeral Home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Graveside service will be held at 2pm on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Washburn, Tennessee.Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com