James Hart Watson

Former Wolcott Police Chief, Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather

James Hart Watson ,78, of Wolcott, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2020.  He was the beloved husband of 56 years of Jean (Hansen) Watson.  Jim was the former Chief of Police of Wolcott, a Master Mason, belonged to the BPOE# 265, a life member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, Police Square Club, Kaabans Club and the Royal Order of the Jesters. 

Besides his wife, Jim leaves his children James H. Jr, daughter Diane M and grandson Brandon and granddaughter Shelby.  He also leaves his sister Barbara J. (Steve) Brittain, his identical twin John G. (Madeline), and younger sister Dorothy E. Watson, several nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 3:30 pm at Prospect Memorial Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd. Prospect.  Friends and family may visit with Jim’s family prior to services from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriners  Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA. 01104

Prospect Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Jim's family with arrangements.  You are invited to share a memory,  a photograph and words of comfort for Jim's family on this website.

Please read full obituary below:

James H. Watson Sr, beloved husband of Jean (Hansen) Watson, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 due to the ravages of Dementia and Parkinson's Disease.  A wonderful and loving soul was taken from all of us, his warm and kind personality made him friends wherever he went. He lived his life to the fullest.

     Jim was born Feb. 7, 1942 to the late John G. Watson Sr and Dorothy Eva (Hart) Watson. His Dad came from Scotland at 16 years of age and his Mom was born and brought up in Wolcott.

     In his younger days, he sang in a Barbershop Quartet with his father, brother and a friend. He loved all music, but Barbershop was a favorite.

    Jim's early working career was as a toolmaker. Under his father's tutelage he became a Class A Toolmaker and worked in several shops in the area. But when he got a taste of police work, as a part-time officer in 1970, he knew what his calling was, and never looked back. Even though he suffered a debilitating injury early on, he made it up through the ranks to become Chief of Police and held that position, with all it entailed until his retirement in 2000 after 30 years of service. He loved his job and nothing made him happier than to go out about town and talk to the people.

    He belonged to the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and was President of the Western Chiefs Association for several years. He was proud of his service with the Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance, especially when he delivered a baby boy on his birthday.

    Jim belonged to the BPOElks #265 in Waterbury. He was a life member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club which brought many years of fun with wonderful friends.

    He was raised to Master Mason on June 4, 1987 at Harmony Lodge #42 A.F. & A.M. in Watertown and was Past Master in Waterbury in 1993 and 1994. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Valley of Waterbury and Lafayette Consistory of Bridgeport member. He received the Order of the Temple. Jim was affiliated with the Sphinx Temple in Newington. His fun clubs were the Police Square Club,Kaabans Club, and the Royal Order of Jesters, of which he was Past Director.

    The last 25 years were  spent as snowbird campers in Florida. He had many friends and good times with the Deer Creek community. Golfing as much as he wanted was heaven for him.

    Jim also ran unsuccessfully for Mayor in 2001, it was the best loss of his life.

    Jim leaves his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Jean (Hansen) Watson, his children James H. Jr, and Diane M, his grandson and best buddy in the world Brandon James Watson, and a granddaughter Shelby.    He also leaves his sister Barbara J. (Steve), Brittain, his identical twin John G Jr (Madeline), and younger sister Dorothy E. Watson, several nieces, nephews and many, many friends.   

    Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Christine Jean who is always in our hearts.

    A special thank you to Frank G. and nephew Jack who visited as often as they could with Covid restrictions and Russ G. who gave his time selflessly when we needed it most.    Thank you to the staff at Wolcott View Manor who were there for him when we couldn't be.

Jim dedicated his life in service for the betterment of others, please continue his legacy by donating to other people or organizations negatively impacted during this pandemic

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