James Edward Watts' Obituary
James Edward Watts, 86, of Clarendon, Texas, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, in Clarendon.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon, with Joe Neal Shadle officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.
James was born on May 7, 1939, in Clarendon to James Olen Watts, Sr. and Lucille Myrl Smith Watts. He married Loretta Fern Ashcraft on May 7, 1996, in Clarendon, where he remained a lifelong resident. A hardworking man, James was a dedicated employee of the City of Clarendon for many years and had previously worked as a heavy machine operator in construction.
James will be remembered for his lighthearted spirit—he was a jokester at heart, enjoyed riding around town and taking back roads, loved trips to Amarillo, and always looked forward to family reunions.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Fern, in 2021; the mother of his daughters, Thelma Phipps; his daughters, Elizabeth May Watts and Debbie Davis; and his brothers, Carroll Wayne Watts, Buster Kerlee, Billy Kerlee, and James Olen “Buttons” Watts, Jr.
James is survived by his daughters, Jamie Reynolds and husband Jerry, Patty Bell and husband Billy, and Linda Massey and husband Kenneth, all of Honey Grove, Texas, Heather Watts, and Tammy Christopher and husband Clay of Clarendon; his sons, J.C. Watts of Lubbock and Jerry Stegall and wife Tammy of Pampa; his sister, Edna Watts of Amarillo; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a niece, Julie Dallas and husband Barry of Red Oak, Texas; along with many other beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
The family requests memorials be made to a favorite charity of choice.
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