James Edward Watson, 92, of the City of Atlantis, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, at the Hospice of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Riviera Beach, Florida.

Born on October 28, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey, James was the son of the late Alice Beattie Watson and James Beveridge Watson. He was raised in Kearny alongside his two sisters and three brothers.

After attending public schools in Kearny, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18. He proudly served his country for three years during the Korean War, often sharing fond and poignant memories of his service and maintaining lifelong friendships with his fellow Marines.

Following his military career, James joined the sheet metal workers union, where he quickly excelled, achieving the rank of journeyman. He managed projects across various sectors of construction, later focusing his expertise on large-scale commercial kitchen equipment installations. He possessed an incredible memory and spoke endlessly and in great detail about his many projects from years prior.

After retiring from the trade relatively early in his fifties, James invested in residential real estate rentals in South Florida, successfully managing these properties for many years.

James loved traveling with his beloved wife, Marilyn, who survives him at home. A true, original "jack of all trades," he could fix absolutely anything and took great joy in helping others with repairs and handyman work. In addition to tinkering around the house, he had a passion for gardening.

James is survived by his wife, Marilyn Watson; his daughter, Laurie Elizabeth Gregory and her husband, Ken Gregory of New Jersey; his two sons, Russell James Watson and his wife, Petra Watson of New York, and Mark James Watson of Florida. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Kristin Gregory, Courtney Battista, Kenneth Gregory, Joseph Watson, and MJ Watson; six great-grandchildren; his brother John Joseph Watson of Pennsylvania; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and their families.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Kathleen and Jean; and his brothers, Thomas and Robert.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the hospice team and the entire medical staff at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Riviera Beach, Florida, for providing exceptional, loving care to James at the end of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James's memory to your local hospice organization.