Mr. James Watts
Deceased: 2011-02-20
Diocese: NATCHEZ-JACKSON
Seminary Graduation Year: 1963
James Moore “Buddy” Watts passed away on Feb. 20, 2011, at the age of 76, from the effects of pneumonia. He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for many years.
He was born Dec. 2, 1934, in Brookhaven. He graduated from Brookhaven High School and fondly remembered “the troops.” He graduated from Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana, Saint Joseph Seminary in Louisiana, and the North American College of the Gregorian University in Rome. After serving as a minister in the Diocese of Mississippi for seven years, he attended Tulane School of Social Work. He worked in this field for 29 years, helping agencies, individuals and families address the needs of the developmentally disabled and mentally ill. During this time, he graduated from Loyola University. He held master’s degrees in theology, social work and pastoral studies. He was a former member of St. Henry Catholic and while there, participated in the home ministry and RCIA programs. He was an avid golfer.
Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years, Deborah (Debbie) Watts of Moss Bluff, La.; daughter, Emily Watts of Duson, La.; brother, Peter L. Watts and wife, Barbara, of Brookhaven; sister-in-law, Rosemary Watts of Shreveport, La.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter E. Watts Sr. and Elizabeth M. Watts; and his brother, Walter E. Watts Jr.
The family wishes to thank the staffs at the Care Center of DeQuincy and the DeQuincy Memorial Hospital for their kindness, support and excellent care for the past three years. Special thanks also to Msgr. Charles DuBois and Danny Sheridan for many years of friendship and spiritual support.
Burial will be in Brookhaven on Saturday, Feb. 26. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Harrigill Funeral Home. A graveside service will be conducted by Fr. Matthew Simmons at 1 p.m. at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Robert Panzica, Ralph Peeples Jr., Norman Young, Jason Watts, Owen King and Ben Pyeatt.
An open house will follow at the home of Pete and Barbara Watts, 633 Crooked Lane.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Association of the South (P.O. Box 16558, Lake Charles, LA 70616); St. Theodore Catholic Church (P.O. Box 12726 Lake Charles, LA 70612); or a charity of choice.
