James Watts

James (J.R.) Watts, 89, of Owensboro, died Friday, June 19, 2015, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born in Russellville to the late Robert and Eunice Smotherman Watts, was a member of Third Baptist Church and served in the Army during World War II. J.R. was an entrepreneur owning several companies throughout his career including, Lewisport Telephone Company, part owner of W&W, Kelly and Wilmore Company, K&W Equipment Company and J.R. Watts Oil. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, sports that he also played while attending Owensboro High School, he coached little league, and played tennis. J.R. was devoted to his wife Lillian and loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Lillian Earl Bivins Watts; and his siblings, Mabel Norton, Lewis Watts and Eunice Keene.

He is survived by his children, Wayne R. Watts, Penny Elaine Christ and her husband Richard, and Cindy L. Burris and her husband Nolan all of Owensboro; grandchildren, Jim Watts (Violet), Melissa Davis (Kelly), Chad Watts (Leslie), Lanie Kincer (Greg), Colin Christ (Mary), Shelly Brenner (Alex), Shaun Nonweiler (Amy), Greg Burris (Alisha), and Ryan Burris (Natalie); great-grandchildren, Madison Chapman, Beau Watts, Lauren Watts, Alexandra Watts, Annabelle Watts, Aidan Christ, Christian Kincer, Mackenzie Brenner, Alexander Brenner, Ella Nonweiler, and Ava Burris; and nieces, Luann Kirkland, Pat Buckingham, Harriett Lee Owen and Debbie Keene.

Services will be held at Noon Tuesday in the chapel of Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Christ Community Church Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.glennfuneralhome.com.