James D. Watson

James D. Watson, 93, formerly of Fort Atkinson, passed away at Wisconsin Veterans Home in King on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

James was born on February 25, 1932, in Oconomowoc, son of the late James and Florence (Jerome) Watson and was raised on a dairy farm. After graduating from Oconomowoc High School, he enlisted in the US Army and served in the Korean War.

James married Janet Braudt on February 25, 1956.

He worked at Carnation Company for more than 40 years in Oconomowoc until his retirement in 1996. He has also worked part-time as a car salesman and owned the  J and J Campground in Hebron for many years. In addition he worked for Bruce Company, Jefferson Golf Course, and LaVigne Bus Company.

James was a member of the Rome American Legion Post 513 where he served as commander for many years. He was also a member of 40 et 8, Jefferson County Voiture Locale 750.

James is survived by his wife, Janet Watson; sons, Jeffrey Watson and Jonathan (Jennifer) Watson; daughters, Judith Watts, Jeannie (Jeff) Newbold, Joanne (Randy) Renz and Jacquelyn Lenz; grandchildren, Daniel Hodges Jr., Juliaunna Webb, Lily Watts-Young, Matthew Lenz, Katrina Bivins, Crystal Mueller, Linden Rhoades, Bradley Renz, Benjamin Renz, James Watson, Sydney Watson and Caroline Watson; great grandchildren, Alyssa Webb, Jenna Hodges, Kayden Bivins, Johnathan Bivins, Keira Bivins, Michael Young and Marcus Renz and brothers, Robert Watson and Kenneth (Janice) Watson. He was also preceded in death by his son, James Watson Jr.; brothers, Walter and Raymond Watson and sisters, Annabelle Hein, Barbara Schuett and Dorothy Grulke.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wisconsin Veterans Home at King in memory of James Watson.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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