Mr. James Dewayne Watson, 85, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, peacefully departed this earthly life and entered his eternal home in Heaven on June 20, 2026.

James was born on April 12, 1941, at Elk View Hospital in Hobart, Oklahoma, to Grady and Opal Watson of Bessie, Oklahoma. He graduated from Clinton High School and attended Southwestern State College to pursue industrial arts. He worked for Graves Manufacturing Company in Clinton, OK. He then attended Oklahoma State University–Okmulgee, where he earned a degree in drafting. Jim, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, began his professional career as a draftsman. He worked for Aero Commander in drafting engineering and modifying aircraft structures. He met the love of his life, Janeth Wynell Goosen, while she was attending college at Nazarene University, and was married at Mennonite Brethren Church in Fairview, OK. They lived in Bethany, OK while he worked at Aero Commander. Jim served in the Army Reserve for 6 years achieving rank of Sargent E-5. Jim worked for Boeing in Wichita, KS and transferred to Everett, Washington for a short time designing and drafting for airframe structures. Jim worked in drafting for Mobil Oil Corporation in Kansas City, MO which would be the beginning of a long career with his most devoted merged company, ExxonMobil. Jim and family moved back to Yukon, Oklahoma and he worked as a draftsmen for Mobil Oil Corp. in downtown Oklahoma City. Jim and family moved to Littleton, Colorado and Jim would work downtown Denver for Mobil Oil Corp. Desiring to get out of the office and work outdoors, Jim moved his family back to Weatherford, OK where he would continue to work for ExxonMobil performing various outdoor field activities including roustabout duties near Thomas, OK. During this time, Jim and his family settled in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where he and his beloved wife, Janeth, raised their children. Jim held a deep conviction that his children should be raised in a Christian home with a strong emphasis on education. He and his family were devoted members of First Baptist Church of Weatherford. After his children had grown and established their own families, Jim and Janeth moved to Guymon, Oklahoma, where he continued working for ExxonMobil for seven more years until he retired. Jim endured a 33 year long career with the company becoming ExxonMobil. Jim was a "company man" and believed in his company's mission and values so strongly that he invested in the company. Retirement opened a new chapter of service and adventure. Jim and Janeth traveled throughout the Mountain West in their RV, dedicating themselves to missionary work alongside fellow Christian missionaries building church facilities. Among their many service opportunities, they worked at Glorieta, New Mexico, helping construct church facilities and supporting evangelistic ministries. During these years, they formed many cherished friendships and touched countless lives through their faithful service.

His dedication to faith, family, and education was reflected in the accomplishments of his children. His daughter became a pharmacist and settled in Stillwater, Oklahoma. His oldest son also became a pharmacist settling in Edmond, Oklahoma. His youngest son established his career in Tulsa and made his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Jim was a man of quiet generosity and unwavering faith. He faithfully supported numerous Christian ministries and children's healthcare organizations. Known for his simple and modest lifestyle, he found his greatest joy not in material possessions but in time spent with those he loved. While he was not one to seek many new friendships or shake hands, he deeply treasured his relationships with family and lifelong friends.
Jim and his beloved wife, Janeth, especially enjoyed taking day trips in Stillwater, where they would dine together, shop, and enjoy one another's company. He loved visiting his wife's family farm and treasured the opportunity to duck hunt alongside his son, James. Jim enjoyed watching sports and was a "Boomer Sooner" to the point of high blood pressure. Above all, Jim delighted in his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and proudly celebrated at every opportunity.

Throughout his life, Jim took great pride in his work, particularly his long and distinguished career with ExxonMobil. Yet his greatest source of pride was always his family. His steadfast faith, strong work ethic, humble spirit, and devotion to those he loved leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.
Jim was preceded in death by his infant son, Matthew Brian Watson, parents Grady and Opal Watson, sisters Mary Marshall, Gwendolyn Ruyle, Helen Snider, and brother Grady B Watson all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Janeth Wynell (Goosen) Watson, 83, of Stillwater, Oklahoma; his sister, Lois Arrington of Hinton, Oklahoma; his daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Terri Lynn and Gary Wayne Cole of Stillwater, Oklahoma; his son and daughter-in-law, Drs. James David and Rachel Dawn Watson of Edmond, Oklahoma; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark Duane and Amber Michelle Watson of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his oldest grandson, Joshua David Watson of Waco, Texas; his grandson, Mareck Dawson Watson of Weatherford, Oklahoma; his granddaughter, Lakin Sage Cole of Stillwater, Oklahoma; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jim and his family are especially so thankful and grateful for those who cared for him during his illness to include but not limited to close family, friends, Stillwater Medical Center staff, and Legacy Memory Care Unit staff. Family is especially thankful for his son, Mark who sacrificed time away from his wife and home to care for his father. Family is also especially thankful for his son-in-law's brother, Terry (Tbone) Glenn Cole who not only served as a live-in caretaker assisting Jim with activities of daily living but also supporting Janeth with many duties including attending appointments and groundskeeping. Special thanks to Nancy and her team at Legacy Memory Care Unit for not only caring for Jim's medical and personal hygiene needs but for loving and caring for Jim and his family.

Though Jim's earthly journey has come to an end, the example he set through his faith, integrity, devotion to family, and commitment to service will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23