James Ray Watson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away

on Monday, June 10, 2024 in Chapin, SC. Born to Raymond Junior Watson and Annie Laurie

Smith on October 26, 1950, Jim was a native to Nebraska, but a South Carolina Gamecock

through and through.

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Jim's early years were shared with his sibling, Margaret, creating memories filled with laughter

and camaraderie. A graduate of Lower Richland High School in 1969, he carried his passion for

learning to the University of South Carolina, where he studied Civil Engineering. He was well-

respected and loved by friends, family and in the community. Known for his strong work ethic

and industriousness, Jim was never one with idle hands.

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In the fall of 1969, Jim met Debbie Uswa on a blind date, and on April 16, 1971 they were

married. Always puzzled by the religions they grew up with, Jim and Debbie searched for the

truth about God and His purpose for them. After years of deep study of the scriptures, Jim and

Debbie dedicated their lives to God and got baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 26, 1982.

Together for 53 years, they built a life filled with love of God, patience, laughter, and the joyous

hustle and bustle of raising their four children: Courtney, Trace, Brett, and Tara.

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Jim’s legacy is also carried on by his adored grandchildren: Carlton, Bryce, Emmy and Naomi.

Each of them will remember their “grandaddy” for his boundless energy, whether he was playing

with the dogs, teaching them to fish on Lake Murray, or sharing his love of plants in the garden

and animals at the Riverbanks Zoo.

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An avid outdoorsman, Jim found solace in the serenity of nature. His hobbies included fishing,

backpacking, hunting, hiking, planting and pretty much any DIY project around the house. It was

hard to find him sitting down as he was literally a Jack of all trades.

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Jim’s love of people extended beyond his family. He was active in the community, volunteering

as a minister, helping others learn the truths and hope he found in the Bible. In lieu of flowers,

his family requests for donations be made to support the worldwide Bible education work he

was so passionate about at: https://donate.jw.org/ui/E/donate-home.html#/donate/WW

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Jim is survived by his wife Debbie U Watson; children Courtney Dunlap (David), Trace Watson

(Leia), Brett Watson (Lindsey), and Tara Minico (Josh); grandchildren Carlton Dunlap, Bryce

Watson, Emmy Watson and Naomi Gantt; nephew and niece Ray and Tavia. Jim was

predeceased by his parents Raymond and Annie Laurie and his sister Margaret Jones. Jim’s

memory is honored and kept alive by his loving wife Debbie, his children, grandchildren, nieces,

nephews, cousins and many beloved friends and family.

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A service to memorialize Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, June 15th, at 3 PM at the Kingdom

Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1048 West Shady Grove Rd, Irmo, SC 29063. And a reception to

celebrate Jim’s life will follow directly after, from 4:30 to 8:30 PM at their home, 1249 Libby Ariail

Circle, Chapin, SC 29036. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81068493378 (Passcode:

JIMMY)

James Ray Watson’s story is one of dedication, love, and industriousness. He will be deeply

missed, but the seeds Jim planted in the hearts of everyone who met him will continue to grow

and flourish for generations to come.