James E. Watts (Lansing)

Mr. James E. Watts passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Sparrow Health Systems, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 87 years. He was born Sunday, December 8, 1935, in Selma, Alabama. The son of Joseph Sr. & Rosa Watts.

James graduated from A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1954, prior to moving to Lansing, Michigan. He was a retiree from General Motors Corporation, a volunteer for Lansing Parks & Recreation, and he also attended Union Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Senior Ministry. James also enjoyed many other activities including talking on the phone and just socializing in general, playing Bridge with the Lansing Bridge Club at the Lett’s Community Center, and supporting the surrounding area high school sports, especially where his family members played.

He leaves to cherish his memory spouse, Doris E. Watts of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; children, James (Joanne) Vaughn III of Lansing, Michigan, Janet R. (Willie) Davis of Clarksville, Tennessee, Kenneth W. (Tracy) Vaughn of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Bridget Y. Watts of DeWitt, Michigan, and Renita F. Watts of Chicago, Illinois; 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara (Willie) Vaughn, Marion Jones, Vera Morrow, Doris Donawa, Rosetta Jackson, and Geneva Etheridge; brothers, Nathan Watts and William Watts; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. & Rosa Watts; stepmother, Ophelia Watts; sister Juanita Bass; and brothers, Jonathan Watts, Joseph Watts, and Wilbert Watts.