James "Jim" Watts

Jim Watts went home to be with the Lord on December 11, 2014. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. Jim will always be remembered for his love for his family and friends and generous giving of his time and energy to others. He was the utmost example of faithfulness, generosity, and love. He has a gentle soul.

James Campbell Watts Sr. or Jim as everyone knew him was born in Columbia, MS on January 16, 1956. His early days were spent hunting, fishing and roaming the south Mississippi woods with his brother Al and father John. Jim went on to attend and graduate from Millsaps College. Following graduation, Jim went to work at the company his grandfather started, Mississippi School Supply/Office Supply Company. He worked there until 1997 when Jim decided to start his company, Office Products Plus. Jim treated employees and customers like family and both remained loyal to him over the course of many years. Company Christmas parties were always started by Jim delivering a thanks for all of the hard work and a prayer to bless the food and the families represented. Jim passed on his tireless work ethic and sense of honest dealing to all of his children who will take the torch from Jim and run with it.

Jim married the love of his life, Sue in 1979. Sue and Jim are the perfect picture of love, happiness and dedication for 35 years. They raised a daughter, Kimberly and three boys James, Will and Zac together along with several golden retrievers. They laughed, cried and prayed together over the years as the children grew. Jim set a Godly example for his family rising early each day to pray and read scripture. He loved his wife and his children saw the love in action every day. There was never a question that for Jim, faith and family came first.

Jim had many hobbies, but the common factor in every hobby was the ability to share it with Sue and the kids. The same woods Jim grew up hunting in Columbia he later shared with his family. If the weather was warm, you could count on Jim being behind the wheel of the boat slinging family and friends alike across the water on tubes or giving instructions as to the correct way to build a pyramid of skiers. He loved to laugh and spend time with others.

A wonderful trait of Jim’s life is the way he gave of himself professionally and privately. Sue and Jim taught and mentored Sunday school students for 10 years at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Jim continued to give back as he coached countless baseball teams and even had pleasure of serving as baseball commissioner for the league. At the same time he served on the Neighborhood Christian Center board in various capacities for many years. Jim also was the guiding force behind all three boys attaining the rank of Eagle Scout spending countless frozen nights camping all over the region. He served and gave of himself in so many ways that most are not aware of.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Sue; his children Kimberly and Drew Cleland, James and Krystin Watts, Will and Alexa Watts and Zac Watts; his grandchildren Andrew, Molly and Charlie; his brother Al and wife Kay and nephew Jonathon.

A graveside service will be held for family and friends at 9:00 a.m. at Parkway Memorial Cemetery on Highland Colony Parkway followed by a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will follow the service from 11:30 to 1. The pallbearers for the service will be Jimmy Hood, Cal Wells, Larry Houchins, Bobby Raines, Greg Wood, Hall Bailey, John Neil, Stephen Kruger, Jonathan Watts, Carey Johnston, Kelly Dabbs and David Elkin. Honorary pallbearers are all those Jim has taught and mentored over the years who are scattered around the world.

In memoriam the family asks that donations be given to a charitable organization of your choice.