James Watson

Gouldsboro and Bangor

James A. Watson, 75, died Dec. 12, 2022, at home, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family by his side.

Jim was born on Jan. 14, 1947, in Machias, to Ralph Allan Watson and Elizabeth (Johnson) Watson (both deceased) and his favorite big sister, Carolyn. He was proud of his Downeast roots, living in Milbridge before his family moved to Bangor.

Jim is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 53 years, Thomasina (Harris) Watson; his much-loved son and daughter-in-law, Jamie R. Watson and Alicia Woodward Watson, and his cherished granddaughter, Lindsey Elizabeth Watson, all of Gouldsboro. His sister, Carolyn Watson Foster (Robert H. Foster, deceased), of Portland and his nephews and niece, Scott R. Stacey, Brett R. Stacey (Julie) and Beth Marie Stacey and their families survive him, as well as his sisters-in-law, Monica Bronson and Renee Eddy.

Jim graduated from Bangor High School, Class of 1966, and EMVTI in 1973 with an associate degree in business administration, where he was honored with the Golden Eagle Award. He also earned a BA in business education from Husson College in 1978. He went on to teach business education at Ellsworth High School and Sumner Memorial High School. He was a successful baseball coach at Sumner, winning the Eastern Maine Championship and State Runner-up in 1980 as well as several PVC Conference championships. Jim left education in 1990 when he and Thoma purchased Young’s Market in Gouldsboro, built a new store in 1993, and continued to grow the business. The store is still in the family successfully owned by Jamie and Alicia.
In addition to coaching baseball at Sumner, Jim coached his nephews, Scott and Brett, in Bangor from T-ball to Senior Little League and then coached Jamie from T-ball to Senior Little League in Lamoine and Ellsworth. Jim and Thoma enjoyed many cruises with friends and family, especially to the Caribbean. They also made many friends during their years at Tracy’s Karate, where they were 2nd-degree black belts, and had schools in Winter Harbor and Milbridge. In 2012, Jim and Jamie became shareholders of Winterport Dragway and Jim enjoyed being president for three years. They enjoyed drag racing against each other until Jim’s retirement from racing. Then Jim’s enjoyment was watching Jamie race and this year seeing his granddaughter, Lindsey, become a third-generation drag racer.

Jim was also active in town politics, having served many years as a Gouldsboro selectman and road commissioner. He always said the people of the town supported his business and he in turn wanted to serve the town.

Jim was a member of Lygonia Lodge No. 40, Ellsworth; Anah Shrine, Bangor and Knights of Pythias, Schoodic Lodge No. 129, Gouldsboro and Colonel Brewer Lodge No. 56, Brewer.

The family invites relatives and friends to share conversations and refreshments 5 to 7pm, Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the Brookings-Smith Family Reception Center, 163 Center St., Bangor with a brief Knights of Pythias service at 5 p.m. Burial will be private for family at Evergreen Cemetery in Milbridge.

The family would like to thank his oncologist, Dr. Hillary Glick, of MaineHealth Cancer Care, Brunswick; the staff at Ross Manor; the staff at Northern Light EMMC, and the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care of Jim.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lafayette Family Cancer Center, c/o Northern Light Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931 or Sarah’s House, 346 Main Road, Holden, ME 04429.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.