James Watford Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Watford, Jr., of Terrell, passed away on the morning of Feb. 7, 2018 with family at his side. James was born September 12, 1948 in Mart, Texas to James, Sr., and Myrtle Watford, both of whom preceded him in death along with his sister, Frances “Cookie” Watford. James grew up in the Hutchins area and attended Navarro College in Corsicana where he earned a AAS. His first job was working with his dad at their family business repairing hearing aids. After college he joined IBM as a service technician. Throughout his life, James worked various careers in sales & service, and electronic technology. He retired in 2011 from ST Microelectronics to spend more time with family. James and his beloved wife, Donna, met and became high school sweethearts and were inseparable throughout their lives. In 2005, they discovered their dream home in the country surroundings of the Poetry Community and together they took each day as a new opportunity to enjoy their children, grandchildren and the wonderful memories they were making. James had many interests in many activities especially the outdoors where he loved to hunt and fish. He also was an accomplished woodworker and had recently developed a knack for raising chickens. A man of many talents and interests (he even dealt Blackjack at a Native American Casino in Albuquerque!), James main interest was always to love his wife and his sons and grandchildren. Being the grandkids’ beloved “Papaw” made his life complete and they each knew that there wasn’t a day that went by that they weren’t loved completely by James. His heritage of true devotion to his family and his loyalty to his friends will be the legacy that his family continues to carry forward, proudly, for every future generation. To celebrate his memory, James leaves his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Donna Watford of Terrell; sons: Brian Charles Watford and wife, Ashley, Jeff Scott Watford and wife, Kristie, all of Terrell; grandchildren: Ann Elise, Emily, Kailee, Jonathan, Savanna, River and Ezekiel Watford; great grandson: Oliver Hankinson; sister, Bettye Behrens and husband, Byron, as well as other extended family and a host of friends. A celebration of James’ life will be at 6:00pm, Monday, Feb. 12, 2018 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel. For those wishing, memorials may be made to the Terrell State Hospital Volunteer Service Council at www.tshvolunteercouncil.org.

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James Watford Jr.

September 12, 1948 - February 7, 2018