Watson, James J.
James J Watson, a lifelong resident of New Britain, CT passed away in the comfort of his home March 8, 2023 at the age of 80. He was the eldest son of William J Watson, MD, and Marie Coburn Watson, formerly of New Britain. He was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School where he played baseball and golf. The latter set a stage for lifelong friendships and memories. His undergraduate education began at Norwich Military Academy and concluded with a BA at Villanova University. He embraced the virtues of the Augustinian education, living with a conscious of honesty, integrity, and compassion as fundamental to his Christian way of life. Completing a MS in Chemistry from Saint Joseph College Jim went on to a thirty-year career at Heublein in West Hartford, CT where he advanced to director in International Quality Assurance and traveled the world. It was in this role that Jim established lifelong international relationships.
A spirited persona himself, he enjoyed the unique and authentic personalities of those he befriended around the world. This fostered numerous exchange opportunities for families and tee times in Ireland for friends. Following retirement, Jim enjoyed his time playing golf with great friends, serving on the church council at St. Joseph's and on the Board of Directors at the Hospital for Special Care before his proudest time of becoming Papa.
An avid golfer, Jim spent many years at Shuttle Meadow County Club. He competed in the club championship, numerous father-son and junior - senior tournaments achieving two holes in one. Always a competitor, he relished his time with friends and family. He was a great storyteller with a contagious laugh. Through his lifelong friendships, Jim never missed a birthday phone call, and gifting holiday carnations and wine. He found great enjoyment celebrating the successes of friends and family.
Jim had many community engagements, including parish council at St. Maurice and St. Joseph Churches in New Britain. His longest tenure and most accomplished service was his time serving on the Board of Directors at the Hospital of Special Care in New Britain. In addition, were his numerous contributions with intentional anonymity.
Jim's proudest accomplishment was as a father to his beloved three sons and their families. He relished any discussion with or about his grandchildren. Every phone call began with daily inquiries about his grandchildren and concluded with an offer to support any needs.
Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother William J Watson, Jr. He is survived by a brother, Robert E. Watson and a sister, Jane W. Charbonnier. He is also survived by his three sons, Kevin Watson, MD (Gina), Mark Watson, MD (Amy) and James A. Watson, MD (Charlene). He was the proud Papa of thirteen grandchildren, Nathaniel, Luke, Emma, Kate, Madeline, James, Brooke, Olivia, Sophia, Caroline, Vivian, Audrey, and Charlotte. He is also survived by several beloved nephews and nieces.
Friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, March 17, 4-7PM at Luddy & Peterson's Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, New Britain, CT. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 18, 10:30AM at Saint Joseph Church, 195 South Main Street, New Britain, CT. Interment to immediately follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, 1131 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06051. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Hospital for Special Care Foundation, 2150 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06053 to support the Manes and Motion Therapeutic Riding Center.