SFC (Ret) James Edward Watson

James E. Watson, better known as “Jim”, was born July of 1932 in Maryland, New York. One of his passions was horses. High Boy was his first horse, which he trained to be a trick horse. When he was 12, his family moved to a farm, where he had seven horses. He was often seen, jumping from horse to horse and riding bareback. At this time he started riding bulls and bareback broncos in the rodeos. In 1949, at 17 years old, he was to ride in the RCA Pro Rodeo but decided to join the Army instead. In June of 1953, he attended the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) School in Aberdeen, Maryland. In September of 1953, he married the love of his life and best friend, Chris Sharp. Jim and Chris had three daughters and one son, and after 22 years in the Army, Jim retired from the Army. During this period he worked different jobs, sometimes working two or three jobs at a time just to support his family. He attended LPN school, graduated and started working at the Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri Hospital Operating Room (OR) for 19 years. He then transferred to the Emergency Room (ER) for the last year. He always said that the OR was his favorite, because he got to care for his patients and see the ending results. Everyone who met Jim, considered him a friend. His smile and jokes made all the patients relax and trust him, especially the children. Before retiring after working 20 years at the hospital; Jim moved to Stoutland where he owned 40 acres of land. Again, he found his passion for horses and owned a few more. He was active in the Fire and Rescue of Stoutland and Laclede County Search and Rescue on horseback. Soon after, thanks to his wife, he found his Native American ancestors. He was involved in many Powwows, where he was proud to dance the Veteran Gourd Dance. He honored all the warriors of the past, present and future. Even though his health continued to deteriorate the last three years of his life; his main concern was his family and friends. And even when times got really rough, he still managed a smile to everyone that visited. And even though he has left us in this realm; you can rest assured of where he is; he has a smile on his face and a joke in his mind, that will make the angels smile. Jim Watson, Husband, Father, and a true friend. You will never be forgotten. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Christine Watson of the home; three daughters: Gina Kowitz (Ray) of Springfield, MO, Sheryl Trindade (Steve) of Stockton, CA and Sandra Watson of Lebanon, MO; one son: Jimmy Watson (Billie) of Brumley, MO; one sister: Josephine Finch of Binghamton, NY; six grandchildren: Kristina Nipper, Justin Garman, Cody Watson, Colton Watson, Bryan Trindade and Derek Trindade; one great grandchild; several other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2012 in the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church with Father John Groner officiating. Steve Trindade gave a beautiful eulogy. Evelyn Horine and Mike Beattie provided the songs “On Eagle’s Wings”, “Hail, Mary Gentle Woman”, “Song of Farewell”, “Precious Lord Take My Hand” and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”. Family friend, Ray Carson also provided music. Serving as escorts were soldiers from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit of Fort Leonard Wood. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SFC (Ret) James Edward Watson

July 14, 1932 - October 22, 2012