Celebrating the life of
James Arthur Watson, Sr.
Passed away on October 04, 2017
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Savannah - Mr. James "Arthur" Watson, Sr., 91, passed away quietly at Hospice of Savannah surrounded by his family October 4, 2017, after a long illness. Arthur known to his family as Daddy, Papa, and Big Papa, was born in Savannah on November 14, 1925, to the late Thomas and Mary Watson. Arthur met the love of his life, Roberta "Bobby" Whitehead Watson when they were children living in the "Old Fort", an area located in downtown Savannah which is still fondly referred to today. They were married February 25, 1943, and had celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary when she passed away in May 2010.
Arthur enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country as a WWII Veteran as a 3rd Class Aviation Electrician. He was a fireman with the Savannah Fire Department where he achieved the rank as Captain before retiring after 35 years. This profession he loved with a passion. He was also a Clerk and Checker with the International Longshoremen Association 1475 for 40 years. He was a member of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and American Legion Post 184.
Arthur was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great, and great great grandfather, and a friend and mentor to many. He was one of the men of the "Greatest Generation." He loved to work with his hands and built numerous things throughout his life that were quite remarkable. After he and his wife retired, they enjoyed many good years of traveling, family functions, and watching all of their grandchildren in whatever sport or activity they were involved in. He and his wife loved this nation and traveled numerous times to every state with the exception of Hawaii. He especially loved listening to his music and watching his old movies. Arthur was a former member of Christ Episcopal Church. He will be missed by all of those who loved him dearly. Arthur was the foundation of his family as family meant everything to him. Arthur was predeceased by his wife Bobby and son James "Jimmy" Arthur Watson, Jr., and was the last survivor of his immediate birth family.
He is survived by three daughters and their spouses; Deborah Andrews (Ronnie), Roberta Marmolejo (Marty), and Kelly Gray (Steve); nine grandchildren, Tommy, Michael and Kelly Andrews, James Watson, III and Wendy Watson Shaeffer, Jason Marmolejo and Jessica Marmolejo Driggers, Bryan Gray and Lisa Gray Tyson. Thirteen great grandchildren, Shelby, Tommy Jr., Elizabeth, Michael James, Gabriel, Taylor, Tyler, Reagan, Ryan, Christina, Abigail, William and Jase; and one great great grandchild, Gabriem.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Savannah for their assistance and support throughout this difficult time. They would also like to thank Dr. Robert Brown, Dr. Robert Rollings, the Williams' Street Davita Staff, Patty Bowling (fondly known as Patty Duke), his neighbor John Moore for all of his continuous support and kindness throughout their dad's illness, and all of his neighbors for their support who were so good to him. A special thanks to Father Patrick O'Brien for his constant friendship and spiritual support to not only their dad, but to his entire family.
Visitation 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at the Islands Chapel of Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P. O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Kelly and Bobbie, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.,Love Carolyn Emerick
- Carolyn Emerick, Savannah,Ga.,
With many fond thoughts and prayers to the family. He will be missed.
- William Parrish, Savannah, ga
I am sorry for your loss. Death is painful to all of us. However God's word the Bible always offers encouragement. A scripture I find comforting is Isaiah 25:8. There Jehovah promises to do away with death and all things that bring us pain. That will be very satisfying! I hope this thought has been comforting to you. May positive thoughts fill you hearts and minds as you endure this difficult time.
- R.G., ,
Our hearts and our prayers go out to all of Arthur's family. We were blessed to be Arthur's neighbor and friend for more than a decade. Our fondest memory will always be seeing Arthur raise the American flag every morning then repeat the pledge of allegiance. He was a true American and patriot, but mostly just a great guy! Our lives are richer for having known him.
- John/Chiriya and boys, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kim Ridgway Bennett
- , ,
To the family of Captain Watson, no finer man I ever met as a young firefighter than him.he treated everyone nice and with respect.to say it was his passion was so true.he was a man of few words,he let his actions speak.he was was a great firefighter and leader.to lookup the word hero ,capt watson would appear
- Robert f simpson, Tybee island, Ga
Kelly , my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. such a sweet obituary. love all of you Mrs. Cowart
- , ,
Kelly, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Such a sweet obituary He was a wonderful man
- , ,
Honest,loving and caring man. Papa Watson is with the lord. He leaves us with his honest, loving, and caring children. Sending our love and prayers.
- Howard@Gayle Andrews, Richmond Hill, GA
Kelly and Bobbie. I am so sorry to hear of yourDad's passing. I know he is having a wonderful time in heaven with your Mama. Praying for your family he was a very sweet man
- DianeAlbritton, Savannah , Ga
Kelly and Bobbie, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.,Love Carolyn Emerick
- Carolyn Emerick, Savannah,Ga.,
With many fond thoughts and prayers to the family. He will be missed.
- William Parrish, Savannah, ga
I am sorry for your loss. Death is painful to all of us. However God's word the Bible always offers encouragement. A scripture I find comforting is Isaiah 25:8. There Jehovah promises to do away with death and all things that bring us pain. That will be very satisfying! I hope this thought has been comforting to you. May positive thoughts fill you hearts and minds as you endure this difficult time.
- R.G., ,
Our hearts and our prayers go out to all of Arthur's family. We were blessed to be Arthur's neighbor and friend for more than a decade. Our fondest memory will always be seeing Arthur raise the American flag every morning then repeat the pledge of allegiance. He was a true American and patriot, but mostly just a great guy! Our lives are richer for having known him.
- John/Chiriya and boys, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kim Ridgway Bennett
- , ,
To the family of Captain Watson, no finer man I ever met as a young firefighter than him.he treated everyone nice and with respect.to say it was his passion was so true.he was a man of few words,he let his actions speak.he was was a great firefighter and leader.to lookup the word hero ,capt watson would appear
- Robert f simpson, Tybee island, Ga
Kelly , my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. such a sweet obituary. love all of you Mrs. Cowart
- , ,
Kelly, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Such a sweet obituary He was a wonderful man
- , ,
Honest,loving and caring man. Papa Watson is with the lord. He leaves us with his honest, loving, and caring children. Sending our love and prayers.
- Howard@Gayle Andrews, Richmond Hill, GA
Kelly and Bobbie. I am so sorry to hear of yourDad's passing. I know he is having a wonderful time in heaven with your Mama. Praying for your family he was a very sweet man
- DianeAlbritton, Savannah , Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
