USAF Lt. Col. (Ret.) James G. Watts, 77, of Glenville, NC passed away July 17, 2017 after a long illness. A native of Logansport, IN, he was the son of the late Eugene and Mary Watts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Bobby Watts. As a teenager in Indiana, Mr. Watts was an accomplished trumpeter, who traveled with several reknown big bands. Jim attended Purdue University, UCLA, Oklahoma State University and Hillsdale College, earning two masters degrees. He retired after 24 years in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot. Jim was highly decorated, earning a Purple Heart, Distinguished Cross, among many other medals, awards, and ribbons. After retiring out of Langley AFB in Virginia, Mr. Watts continued piloting commercially for United Parcel Service. Mr. Watts was a former resident of Panama City Beach, FL; where he lived until his recent move to Glenville, NC. He enjoyed boating, hiking, playing golf, and reading. He was a former member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church of Panama City Beach, a past commodore of the Bay Point Yacht Club, King XXV of the Krewe of Dominique Youx, and a past president of the Friends of St. Andrews State Park. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Joyce P. Watts; two dearly loved stepchildren, Brian Douglas Schaefer (Angela) of Panama City Beach, FL, and Allison Paige Wirtz (Will) of Brenham, TX; and four beloved grandchildren, Kyle and Ian Wirtz and Sara and Olivia Schaefer. The family will hold a private service at a later date. Donations in his name can be made to the Friends of St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, FL or Four Seasons Hospice at www.fourseasonscfl.org.

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