John L. Watts

John “Jack” Lawrence Watts, 80, of St. Joseph, departed this life on January 12, 2008, at Caretel Inn in St. Joseph. Friends may call from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 Am Wednesday at the First Assembly of God Church, officiated by Rev. Dan Miller. Memorial may be made to the church where he was a member. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so at the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com John was born August 9, 1927 in Benton Harbor to Robert & Katherine (Stevens) Watts. He was a proud veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1943-1946. While in the Navy, John met his future wife, Ruth Sternberg, in Shanghai, China. They later wed in Benton Harbor on September 17, 1949. Before retirement, John was employed by Continental Can Corp. as an inspector for 25 years. While not working, John could be found fishing, hunting or bowling. Every outdoor event was an adventure for John. His story-telling will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Nobody could embellish a story like John; it must have been the fisherman in him. John and his “characters”, like Skeekat, will be missed. John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth Watts of St. Joseph; his 5 children, Carol [Richard] Borah of Benton Harbor, John [Tania] Watts of Florida, Diana Watts of St. Joseph, Ray Watts of Benton Harbor, and Tim Watts of St. Joseph; 4 grandchildren Jeff & Mark Borah; Jennifer & Jessica Watts and 2 great grandchildren Logan & Kai Borah; his brothers Bob (Lil) Watts of South Bend, Ray Watts of Benton Harbor, William (Winfred) Watts of St. Joseph; his sisters Annie (Gene)Mandarino of Palatine, IL, and Vonnie Richards of South Bend. John was preceded in death by his parents, son Roy, a brother Tim Watts and sisters Mary Foster &Marilyn Watts. Hope you catch your limit every day at your new fishin’ hole, Jack.