I worked with John while we both served on the Phoenix Fire Department. John loved his job and the people he worked with. He had so much knowledge about the department and the regulations he helped enforce and improve. Many times John would suggest changes in the fire prevention regs and the chiefs above him agreed and made them so.  He was so diligent and dedicated to his job, people around him looked up to him as a leader in his department. and sought out his opinion. But he was also very compassionate and caring man. While he installed smoke detectors in a low income or elderly person's home, he often assisted them with some light home repair or maintenance. That was good custom service on his part, and not required.
It will hard to find another person like John, not only for his position but in life. Rest now John, we'll take it from here.

I WORKED FOR JOHN IN PHOENIX FIRE PREVENTION. HE WAS A GREAT SUPERVISOR AND A REALLY NICE GUY.  
HE SUPPORTED HIS STAFF AND WE ALL APPRECIATED HIM. 
HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
JUDY NORDSTROM F.P.S. 2005

I have so many amazing memories of John.  The Watson house was one of the first houses I was allowed to "stay the night at" when I was 10 or 11 years old.  I can remember  John always being amused by the things Shane and I came up with to entertain ourselves.   I remember staying up late to watch M.A.S.H. and hearing John laugh at comedy that was way beyond comprehension.  
Many years later I became a dentist and John would always bring me gifts to the office that he thought I might use such as an axe, a long bow used in the early 1900's Olympics, a Dutch oven, and fire starter supplies.  Always such random gifts, but truthfully all things that I appreciated and could use.
I remember the joy that John and I shared in firearms.  At John's invite I attended the Big Sandy Shoot in Northern Arizona and I distinctly remember the childlike happiness we both felt watching full automatic weapons firing tracer rounds at glowing explosive targets.
This picture is from a shooting session John and I had at a local range.  Johns knees hurt so we moved the barricade and drove the truck up the hill to the platform.  After a few minutes of firing a .50 caliber rifle and few other guns, the range master showed up steaming mad because apparently we weren't allowed to be firing the 50 and the moved barricade only added to the problem.  John's kind calm demeanor completely deescalated the situation and we were given a stern warning and went on with our fun.   
John will be missed but the lifetime of memories have shaped the person I have become and how I am raising my children.

John Watson
Photo source:
Phoenix Fire Dept.
2008 yearbook.

John Watson
Photo source:
Phoenix Fire Dept. 2000 yearbook.

When I joined the Phoenix Fire Dept. in 1978 a part of the Academy training was a forty hour course studying the Fire Prevention Code and John Watson, I believe, was my instructor. During the next 30+ years my career path crossed with John’s work in the Fire Prevention/Urban Services Div. 
Each time I worked with John he was smiling and skillful.
Here is a photo of John from the PFD 1982 yearbook.
RIP my friend. 🇺🇸

OBITUARY

John Hastings Watson Jr.

October 8, 1943 – May 19, 2023

Shadow Mountain Mortuary

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