James (Jim) Gene Watson, age 80 of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Friday, November 25, 2022 at Capital Region Medical Center.
He was born May 19, 1942, in Sedalia, Missouri to the late James L. & Della May (Meyer) Watson. Jim was united in marriage to the late Donna Kay (Bax) Gibson on October 14, 1994 in Jefferson City, MO.
His hobbies and interests include woodworking, coffee and cards with his friends, and trips to Las Vegas and the riverboat. Jim loved watching sports, especially the Chiefs and Cardinals. He was a member of the Eagles Club and Moose Lodge where he spent time socializing in the community.
Jim was a graduate of Smith-Cotton, Class of 1960, and enlisted with the Missouri Army National Guard from 1962-1982, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. In 1965, Jim joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy and served for 35 years in both Lee’s Summit and Jefferson City, MO before retiring in 2000 as Captain of the Public Information Division. Many in the community have fond memories of James overseeing “Otto” the Talking Patrol Car at the Missouri State Fair for many years.
Jim is survived by Lori Wyrick and her husband Rick, grandchildren Andrew and Brody; Scott Watson and his wife Maria, grandchildren Jordan (Michael) Saettone and Katelyn Watson; Shad Watson and his wife Yuan, grandchildren Serena and Kel Watson; Allison Bornhauser and her husband Sam, grandchildren Trey, Timothy James, Kathryn; and Tim Gibson and his wife Cheri, grandchildren Jessica (Sean) Rogers, 2 great grandchildren Lochlyn and Layne Rogers; Bobby (Heather) Gibson.
Services will be Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at Heckart Funeral Home, Sedalia, MO. Visitation 10am followed by 11am memorial service. Burial with military honors at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Those who wish to remember Jim in a special way may make gifts to Primrose Retirement Center (Jefferson City, MO) Activity fund.