James M. Watson, Sr.

James M. Watson, Sr., 86, died Sunday, February 19, 2012, at Grancare Nursing Home where had been a resident for the past 2 ½ years. He was born December 5, 1925, in Fond du Lac, the son of Martin C. and Ethel C. Grebe Watson. He was a graduate of L.P. Goodrich High School and attended Wisconsin State College in Oshkosh. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific Theater from June 19, 1943 to March 7, 1946. He received the WW II Victory Medal, the American Area, Asiatic-Pacific, and Philippine Liberation Medals. On September 27, 1947, he married Mary J. "Jean" O'Rourke at St. Joseph's Church Rectory. Jim was formerly employed as a steamfitter and welder by Beloit Pipe and Dredge and the Ahern Company, and was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #400 Ltd. He enjoyed golfing and bowling. Surviving is his wife, Jean, two daughters, Janice (Rick Apfel) Watson of Madison, and Jill VanEijk of Key Largo, FL, a son, James M. Watson, Jr. of Kileen, TX, and two granddaughters, Dana Apfel of Fitchburg, WI, and Megan (Todd) Douglas of Ft. Collins, CO. His parents, an infant daughter, Julie Ann, a brother, John G. Watson, and nieces and nephews preceded him in death.



At Jim's request, a private memorial service will take place at a later date in Madison. Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.comThe family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Grancare Nursing Home for the care and compassion that was given to Jim during his stay.