4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
WATSON, JAMES ALPHONSE
James Alphonse Watson, 56, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018. He was born in AZ and now joins his father, John Watson, in the heavens above. He is survived by his partner and best friend of 25 years, Froy. Jim leaves behind his mother, Joanne, stepfather, Darrell, his siblings, Julie, Joe and Janet, his nieces and nephews, Nichole, Tiffany, Joey, John M, John and Ilya and his grand-niece and nephew, Isabella and Jordan.
Jim graduated from Gerard Catholic High school and then went on to ASU for a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He continued onto the University of Arizona to receive his Masters in Public Administration. Finally, he proudly earned his PHD from La Verne University in Public Health Administration and the family much enjoyed calling him Dr. Watson.
Jim led a wonderful life of travel and taking care of others. He was blessed to travel much of the world, one of his favorite places being Thailand. He even chose to reside in a couple of places, such as Rio De Janeiro and Puerto Vallarta. He had a variety of interests, not limited to abstract art and fun cars and he was passionate about his family’s history. Jim also had a tenacity for investing, especially in real estate. He followed in his father’s footsteps, using his talents to set up a number of homes as Halfway Houses for recovering alcoholics. Today these homes still stand as his legacy.
Jim was generous to a fault to so many he encountered who needed help. We all thank him for being a loving part of our journey and no words will express how much we will love and miss him dearly for the rest of our lives.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will begin with a Visitation at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix AZ, on Friday, May 18. A Rosary will start at 6:00pm, and viewing will be from 6:30 to 8:00pm, with the opportunity to share about Jim at that time. The Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Maria Goretti, 6261 N. Granite Reef Rd. Scottsdale, AZ, on Saturday, May 19, at 10:00 am.
In Lieu of flowers, we would love if you could send a donation to any of Jim’s favorite charities:
New Dimensions in Recovery (helping recovering alcoholics), Friends of Rancho San Pedro (a charity which works to preserve the Dominguez Ranch, a California Historical Landmark and the original home of Jim’s ancestors, and Stepping Stone (an alcohol and drug treatment facility). Thank you in advance to all those who donate.
www.NewDimensionsInRecovery.org
www.DominguezRancho.com
www.SteppingStoneSD.org
I’m deeply sorry for the passing of Jimmy. Condolences to all his family. Growing up with Jimmy and having him as a next door neighbor we had so many adventurous times. I’ll always remember him such a wonderful person. RIP Jimmy.
With sympathy at this Sad tine
To all Sr.. Watson long time partner and Family.
Julie, you and your Mom and family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Joanne, Darrell and family
No words can express how sorry I was to hear about Jim. May God wrap his arms around you at this time and give you the love and comfort you will need to get through the days ahead
Kathy and Kevin Harrington
Querido Joe y querida familia Watson, con todo nuestro aprecio hacemos llegar nuestras más sentidas condolencias, pedimos a Dios por ustedes y por el descanso eterno de Jim. Dios los bendiga.
Im so sorry for your loss and the loss to our recovery community. Jim had such a wonderful caring heart and ill always be grateful for the attention he gave me.
Sorry for your loss. He is in our hearts and prayers as well as your family.
I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Watson family and Froy. I will always remember Jim as a dear and selfless friend whom I will always be grateful for. We shared a friendship that included gratitude for the presence of God in our lives and as well as enjoying classic cars and helping others in need. Jim made a deeply positive impact on my life and I will always remember him with a smile. Thank you Jim for touching my life. Rest in peace my brother.
Jim was a kind and loving person who put the needs of others before himself. He will be greatly missed.
My sympathy and condolances to the Watson family. I remember meeting Jim and helping him with his pool table years ago. I was very impressed by him and his passion for helping those in recovery. I am very sorry for your loss. The whole family is in my thoughts and prayers. May Jim R.I.P. and may God bless the whole Watson family during this time of need.
My deepest condolences to Froy, and the entire Watson family. There are so few people who have the ability to touch the lives of others, with the degree of kindness that Jim shared so freely. He will be greatly missed by his many friends here and abroad.
Dear Froy and Jimmy’s family,
This is such an unimaginable loss. I hope for healing of your loss.
I knew Jim for 20years with fond memories of times spent in San Diego, Phoenix, Bangkok and Rio De Janero. We had a comfortable and fun connection as friends which will be greatly missed.
My favourite memory of Jim was at the tiger sanctuary in Bangkok when he posed to pet one of the tigers. I trust Jimmy is at peace now.
With heartfelt condolences,
Steven Oppenheim MD
Jim will be missed greatly. He was a outstanding man who cared deeply for others. Sending you all Love and Light in this time of sadness. May your memories give you comfort.
Sending my deepest condolences to all of Jim’s family. Jim, like each of you, embraced me as family from the moment we met. My heart aches for the loss of Jim.
Jim was a great guy and what I remember most about him is his sense of humor. He knew how to connect with people with his humor. Rest in peace Jim
To the Watson family and Froy, our deepest sympathy for your loss of Jim. He was a wonderfully kind, gentle and giving man. He will be missed here in the San Diego recovery community. Jim served on the board of directors of Stepping Stone of San Diego and was a big part in the success of the capital campaign for the tear down and rebuild of the completely new 31 bed facility completed in 2000. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
My Condolences to James’s Family and to the Redcoat Family as well,
Loving and merciful God,
we entrust our brother James to your mercy .
You loved him greatly in this life:
now that he is freed from all its cares,
give him happiness and peace forever.
The old order has passed away: welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus, your Son, and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.
Amen .
My deepest sympathies to the Watson family. Jackie Russell Petchauer
Condolences to The Watson Family,Friends, Froy and Mark. Jimmy was a Champion for a cross section of humanity often discriminated against. Because of his Generosity of Spirit thousands of lives have been changed. I am a better man for having known him and a piece of him will live in my heart forever. He will be missed greatly in the Recovery Community.
Jim was one of the first people I met in my recovery and he was and still is an inspiration to me and many others as we continue this journey; may his soul rest in peace while is spirit still soars. My sincerest condolences to Froy and the Watson family. Thank you.
My life has been enriched knowing Jim and experiencing his kindness and caring. I will carry his gentle hugs in my heart. Know that I am sorry for your loss and send you my prayers.
Jim was a great mentor, partner, and friend. He was always helping others in need. He loved his family and friends very much. He will be remembered with fondness and love. My condolences to his family.
Dear Joanne and Darrell, I am so very sad for your loss of Jim. He was a wonderful person, to all. So caring, gentle, warm, and quite humorous, too!. We met thru business, but in time, he was considered a friend. My deepest sympathies to both of you and your entire family.
My deepest condolences for Jimmy’s family and Froy.
Despite not knowing his family personally, just heard of, I met Jimmy in Brazil 18 years ago in Rio. We became great friends and we were always in touch.
Jimmy was an extraordinary kind person which I’ve learnt a lot from him.
I’m deeply sorry for those he left behind, he was a great man, an amazing friend and a very kind person.