James Watts Obituary

James Michael ''Mike'' Watts, age 77 of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this earthly life on Sunday, September 10th, 2023 at St. Vincent's North in Sherwood, Arkansas. He was born in Marshall, Arkansas on July 6th, 1946 to Clois Allen Watts and Ethel Bernice Medley Watts. Mike married Judy Harness on February 9th, 1968 and to this union was born two children, Lance and Jamie. Mike was a member of the Eastside Missionary Baptist Church. He served in the Army National Guard for six years. Mike graduated from Marshall High School in 1964. He started working as a dry wall finisher while still in high school and continued for many years. He and his brother, Charles owned the CITGO Gas station and tire shop for a few years. After selling the station he went into the dairy business and also managed the White Oak Station in Marshall. He went on to convert his farm to a beef cattle operation. Mike was a talented musician and enjoyed playing the harmonica, guitar and the banjo. He loved the Razorbacks and sports in general. He especially enjoyed watching the grandkids play ball. He liked to fish with his grandkids in the family pond and enjoyed watching westerns. Mike was a very family oriented man and his greatest joy came from time with spent with them. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Judy Watts of the home; his children, Lance Michael Watts and wife Juanita of St. Joe and Jamie Michele James and husband Jared of Harrison; his grandchildren, Sabrina Emerson (Keaton) of Russellville, Jonathan Drewry of St. Joe, Jasmine Watts of St. Joe, Jace James of Harrison and Emerie James, also of Harrison; his brother, Charles Watts (Bennie) of Marshall; sisters, Roberta Ferguson of Marshall and Patricia Wilson of Marshall; his niece, Cheryl Reed (Ricky) of Marshall; nephew, Kenneth Ferguson of Bella Vista; and many extended family and friends who will also mourn his passing. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Clois and Ethel Watts; and an infant sister, Melba Jene Watts. Funeral services for Mike will be 2:00 PM Friday, September 15th, 2023 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. David Wallis and Bro. Kenneth Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Bearers will be Brandt Reed, Nick Reed, Preston Ferguson, Walker Ferguson, Warren Ferguson and Jared James. Honorary bearers will be Mike's Marshall High School Classmates of 1964.