James Milton Watson was born September 28, 1922, to Fred Watson and Jean Mc Intosh near Trinidad, Colorado. James and his siblings, one brother and four sisters, grew up in coal mining camps. He attended Arvada High School and worked delivering groceries to help support his family as his father became ill. Shortly before joining the service, he fell in love with the next door neighbor, Helen Nakonieczny.
James joined the Navy at the age of 19 and was stationed in the Solomon Islands. During his service, his father passed away and James unselfishly sent his wages home to his mom to care for his family. He proudly served his country during WWII until his return in 1945.
Helen Watson was born December 10, 1917, to D'mitro Nakonieczy and Katherine Kornak in Wheeling, West Virginia. Her mother passed away shortly after she was born which left her father, a coal miner, to raise her and five siblings; three brothers and two sisters.
James and Helen were married on July 8, 1945, in Denver upon his return from WWII. They then moved to Arvada and were blessed to raise Patricia, Catherine Jean, MaryAnn and Kenneth.
James worked for E.B. Millars Coffee Company for more than 30 years. He accepted a company transfer bringing he and Helen to Grand Junction where he continued to work in the coffee industry until his retirement.
During this time Helen successfully managed the household. It was not uncommon for her to bake a loaf of bread from scratch, grow a row of vegetables in the garden, and launder a weeks worth of clothes in one afternoon!
During their 70 years of marriage, they were active with their church. They both volunteered at bible camps and Helen taught Sunday school for many years. During this time, James and Helen acquired many friends. These friendships provided happiness and joyful times.
In James's later years, he had an opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Washington, D.C. with the local Honor Flight chapter. Along with other WWII Veterans, he was proudly honored.
December 10, 2017, Helen also had an opportunity of a lifetime. She celebrated her 100th birthday! She lead a healthy life without any complaints.
James and Helen are adored and loved by nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
A special thanks to the staff of Grand Villa Assisted Living and to HopeWest Hospice for their exceptionally professional and loving care.
There will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Martin Mortuary. A service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. The burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheatridge, CO.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18