James Watson was ushered to his heavenly reward on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at the age of 81. He was born November 10, 1935 to Eugene and Sheba Watson in Sanford, North Carolina. He moved to Canton at the young age of 6 years old in 1941.  A few years after coming to Canton, he started attending the Mt. Nebo United Holy Church.  As a teenager, he worked side by side with his twin brother at a bowling alley.  As a young man, he and his siblings formed a gospel singing group called the “Watson Four.”  He loved to sing and often would be found singing songs from his favorite artist, Sam Cooke.   They performed in churches and sang on the radio.  One of his favorite songs was “Change Gonna Come.”

James attended McKinley High School.  After graduation he got a job at the Timken Company where he worked 33 years. He retired from the Timken Company so he could spend more time doing what he loved the most,   working with his hands, remodeling homes.  He referred to himself as the “jack of all trades.” There were       countless people who called him to build kitchen cabinets, fix their cars, do plumbing, re-wire homes and he would work on it until it was complete, even if he knew what he was doing or not.  After starting a family he built them their first 2 bedroom home with the help of his father.

James was quiet and reserved when first meeting people, but was a loyal friend to those he knew.  He liked to cook, but did not like eating out at restaurants.  Even though James’ illness prevented him from returning to church, he rededicated his life to the Lord. 

James is preceded in death by his father, Eugene M. Watson, Sr.; mother, Sheba Wicker Watson; and brother, Eugene Watson, Jr.  He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy, daughters, Kathy Mitchell and Valerie Watson; son, Jimmy Watson, all of Canton; twin brother, Robert Watson of Massillon; sister, Jessie Washington of Canton; grandchildren, Toshiba Shearer, Canton and Christopher (Jennifer) Mitchell, Dublin, Ohio; 9 great grandchildren; 1 great great great grandson and 2 great great great grandchildren to be born within the next four months.  A host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  James also leaves to rejoice a long-time best friends, Ferrell Kindell and Charlie Smith.

 Service Information