James "Jim" Lee Watson, 74, of Defiance, passed away on  August 21, 2014 at Mercy Hospital of Defiance.

He was born on June 6, 1940 to Harold Watson and Katherine Paonessa in Defiance.  On February 15, 1959 he married Ethelyne "Dee" Smith.

Jim retired from GM in 2000 after 35 years of service.  He loved football and baseball.  Jim was an avid Defiance sports fan, especially the Defiance Bulldogs football team.  He was a past member of the Bulldog Boosters.  Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ethelyne, son, Greg Watson of Defiance, daughter, Lorie (John) Henderson of Garrett, IN, grandchildren, Emilie (Andrew) Zeller of West Lafayette, IN, Mollie Watson of Toledo, Johnathan Henderson of Garrett, IN, and  Eric Henderson of Waterloo, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clarence Watson.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 25, 2014 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home with the funeral services being held at 1:00 p.m.  Deacon Jeff Mayer will officiate.  Burial will follow in Riverview Memory Gardens.

The family requests memorials be directed to the Defiance Athletic Department.

Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.