Jimmy "Jim" Watts

Jimmy "Jim" Watts, 71, formerly of Huntington, Oregon died at the home of his daughter on Saturday, September 26, 2020 in Salem, Oregon. 

Jimmy Wayne was born on January 3, 1949 in Shirley, Arkansas to Walter and Bessie Watts.  He attended school in North Plains, Oregon.  Jim met his wife Barbara Cantrell through a friend.  Jim and Barbara were married in 1969 in Longview, Washington and had four children together.  They later divorced.

During Jim's life he worked for Danton Russel Mill Yard in North Plains and also worked as a heavy equipment operator .  During his life he lived in several places which included Forest Grove, then onto Huntington,  Oregon where he lived for 17 years.  As his health was failing, he moved over to the coast and enjoyed fishing and crabbing.  These last few weeks he stayed with his daughter in Salem, Oregon.

Jim's favorite color was blue, his favorite season was winter.  He will be remembered as a renowned fisherman known by all who knew him, as well as a teacher and historian.  Jim also enjoyed getting out in the mountains and hunting.  A life philosophy was "Treat others the way you want to be treated."  A memorable date in his life was 1996 when the Nahalem River almost flooded his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Billy Joe, Robert, Charles, Clifford and Franklin; Sisters Jessie, Marylou, Verna Mae, Deane, Clara, Patsy and Rosemary; granddaughter Chantelle Wheelock.

Jim is survived by his brother James Watts Jr.; sister Jean Watts; daughters Christy Ann Davis of St. Helens, Oregon, Laura Jane Wheelock, Anita Rae Brown and Benjamin Kitchen of Salem, Oregon, Deanna Lynn Detrick and husband James of Cornelius, Oregon; 15 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Jim, may do so to your local hospice or Creating Memories (memories of fishing/hunting/camping for children who may be limited but unlimited) through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com