James Astor Watts

James Astor Watts, 91, of North Vernon, passed away at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Majestic Health Care in North Vernon.

Born July 29, 1928, in Whitesburg, Kentucky, he was the son of George and Dulcany (Franklin) Watts. He married Myrtle “Marilyn” Clark on November 13, 1976, in Canaan; she survives.

James was employed with the Jennings County Highway Department and served as a Deputy for Sheriff Perry Cummings; he also owned and operated Watts Small Engine for several years. He enjoyed fishing, rabbit hunting, gardening, horse riding and spending time with his family.

Surviving with his wife, Myrtle “Marilyn”, are his sons, Jim (Linda) Watts, Lloyd Watts, Robert (Judy) Watts, and Jessiah (Shannon) Watts, all of North Vernon, and Roland Watts of Orange City, Florida; daughter, Christina (Nick) Megel of North Vernon; sister, Gladys Machledt of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Jimmy Watts, Travis (Ana) Watts, Dakota (Alexis) Megel, Darcy Megel, Koltin Watts and Karmandy Watts, all of North Vernon, Curtis McIntosh and Dennis (Loni) McIntosh both of Columbus, Justin (Lisha) Watts of Shelbyville, and Brian Watts of Cincinnati, Ohio; and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carol McIntosh; brothers, McCoy and Flannery Watts; and sisters, Lonnie Dixon, Alta Dixon, Bessie Pratt and Della Lindsey.

Private services for James will be held on Friday, April 3, 2020, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon.

Memorials may be made in honor of James through the funeral home to Our Hospice of Jennings County.

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