Cover photo for James Watts's Obituary
James Watts Profile Photo
1927 James 2017

James Watts

December 14, 1927 — July 24, 2017

James S. Watts was born Dec. 14, 1927, to James Bennett Watts and Mary Agnes (Peller) Watts, in Meridian, MS. The family moved to the Pacific Northwest during WWII to join his father who was stationed with the U.S. Navy. They arrived in Clatskanie, OR, in 1944. Jim graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1945 and joined the U.S. Navy that same year, serving until 1947. After discharge Jim returned to Clatskanie and worked for the U.S. Post Office. In 1955, he moved to South Bend, WA, and he began a lifelong career as an accountant where he worked over 30 years for Coast Oyster Co. Jim also loved being in the outdoors, camping, hiking and climbing mountains. He was a member of the Olympia Branch of the Seattle Mountaineers. He was very proud of earning their esteemed Six-Majors pin for having summited the six highest and most difficult mountains in the State of Washington. After retiring from Coast Oyster, Jim started his own business, Watta-A-Llama Treks, giving guided treks with llamas into the Olympia National Park. Jim also loved theater. He was a founding member of the Willapa Players, starting in 1956, and performing in his last play at the age of 86 and directing his last play at 87. Jim also performed at Driftwood Theater in Aberdeen and with the Grayland Players. Jim married Dora Miller in 1950; they later divorced. His parents predeceased him. In 1976 he married LaRayne (Weed) Isaksen, who survives him at the family home in Raymond, WA. He is survived by seven children--son Stephen F. Watts (Rayetta Kenworthy) of Bay Center, son Anthony Leroy Watts of Lakewood, daughter Margaret (Peggy) Dotson (Gene) of Vancouver, and daughter Angela Penland (Shawn) of Auburn--plus stepson Jeff Isaksen of Bay Center, stepdaughter Michele Isaksen of Kettle Falls, and stepson Steven R. Isaksen of Olympia. He is also survived by two brothers--John Watts (Imogene) of Washougal and Henry Watts (Arlene) of Winslow, AZ, and a sister Mary K Green (Dick) of South Bend. In addition, he had 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Friday, Aug. 4, at noon at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Raymond followed by inurnment at the Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo. All are welcomed to gather at St. Lawrence afterward for a luncheon. Cremation arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Watts please visit our Sympathy Store.
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