Major James Frank Watson, USAF (Ret.), a 4th generation American Revolutionary War Patriot, was born to William

Calvin and Grace Margaret Bridges Watson on April 2, 1931 in Shawnee, OK. A retired Major in the USAF, he passed

away peacefully on July 16, 2026 at UNC Hospital.

Best known as “Papa”, he is preceded in death by his brother, William Calvin Watson, wife of 64 years, Jody, son

Donald Alan Watson and grandson, Garrett Watson Woodard.

Surviving family includes sons Steve Watson, Mike Watson, daughters Susan Watson Woodard (Paul), Debbie

Montigny (Rick), grandchildren Steve Watson (Francesca), Tara Herringdine (Kenny), Marilee Woodard, David

Montigny, Jasper Watson Great grandchildren include Colby Herringdine and Peyton Watson; step grandchildren

include Kaylee Taylor (Noah and McKenna) and Gray Patterson (Hannah). His nieces include Vicki, Cindy and Shelley

from Pennsylvania.

As a graduate of Shawnee High School in 1949, James also earned Eagle Scout and spent time at Philmont Scout

Ranch in NM where he earned additional accreditations and leadership skills.

James attended Oklahoma State University, was member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and earned a BS

Degree in Business with Minors in Marketing and Psychology in 1953. He served in the ROTC in college and

entered the US Air Force upon graduation and the end of the Korean War. His high school motto, “Don’t bother me

with women”, became irrelevant when he met Mary Joanne Richardson (Jody) after a sledding accident. They were

married in July 1953 and together until her passing in 2018.

James' goal was to become a pilot in the USAF but due to vision restrictions, he attended Air Force Navigation

School in 1953 and Air Force Instructors School in 1956. From 1954-1960, in Waco, TX, he taught celestial

navigation, radar and military training and was selected as ‘Instructor of the Month’. He served as Wing Chief of

Standardization and Evaluation and obtained “absolutely outstanding” performance. During the Vietnam War, in

1969, he flew 258 combat sorties as navigator and served as a Navigator Flight Examiner at Pope Air Force Base.

He was responsible for the navigation ground school and flight scheduling in the wing training flight. From 1972

-1975, James served as the Wing Chief of Standardization and Evaluation overseeing over 100 navigators, giving

exams and flight checks and overseeing administration as a navigational expert. During his Vietnam Tour of Duty, he

navigated the AC-47 gunship over enemy territory and helped save many American soldiers’ lives. During James’

career with the USAF, he traveled the world and had many global experiences. He retired in 1975 after almost 22

years of service.

Upon retirement, James received his Real Estate Brokers License in 1975 but decided to work the evening shift as

cashier at PepsiCo where he befriended many people.

James was always physically active, as a youth playing baseball, football and basketball, and as an adult playing

tournament racquetball and handball. He loved playing golf and enjoyed playing and attending US Open and other

championship golf tournaments with his son, Mike and son-in law, Rick. Frequently playing in father-son

tournaments they regularly placed in the top standings.

James enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing and learned the ‘art’ of bass fishing from his father. They took many

fishing trips to Shawnee Lake and Reelfoot Lake. Papa taught all the kids how to fish and practice boat safety.

Many trips were made around Arran Lake with Papa at the helm, sculling slowly, looking for a bass to jump. James

had a great appreciation of the outdoors and knew many bird calls.

Always a gentleman, with high moral and ethical character, Papa was adored by his family. He was devoted to his

family and never missed a ball game or dance recital.  He gave his full unconditional love and support for his family,

He taught us many things in many ways and he will live eternally in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.  https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Services are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jerniganwarren.com.