James Edward Watson

A graduate of Winter Haven High, James proudly served in the United States Navy, where he worked as a Naval Electrician. He went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Business and began a 29 year career for GTE. After retirement, James went back to work, this time for Lucent Technologies.

On August 4, 1972, James married the love of his life Vicki. Throughout their 51 years of marriage they loved spending time with the many dogs they shared their home with and considered family. He found joy and excitement in the roar of stock car engines and the thrill of NASCAR races. In his spare time, James also enjoyed fishing and travelling.

James is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Watson; daughter, Jody Snyder (Bobby); grandchildren, Alex Aderhold, Ashlyn Macabitas (Caleb), and Adam Aderhold; step-grandchildren, Zoe Snyder, Ruby Snyder, and Caleb Snyder; great grandsons, Briggs Macabitas and Tuf Macabitas; brother, Harry T. Watson (Kennie); niece, Julie Scaplen; great nieces, Sara Dantin and family, and Stefanie Degeer and her children; great nephew, Christopher Scaplen (Destinee) and their family; cousin, Bobby Arwood (Cheryl); as well as many other family members and friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and William T. Watson, as well as one sister, Barbara Fowler.

A gathering of family and friends for James will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, 645 West Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880, where friends and family are invited to share memories and stories.

James will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James' memory may be made to the Throat Cancer Foundation at www.throatcancerfoundation.org.