James Hales "Jim" Watson, age 53, of Delray Beach, Florida, formerly of Marysville, died Monday, November 18, 2013, at Hospice of Palm Beach County in Atlantis, Florida, following a strong fight against cancer.

A former roofer and high wire transmission lineman, Jim was a 1978 graduate of Marysville High School. Before his illness, much of his time was spent rescuing animals of the Everglades, rehabilitating them, and releasing them back to the wild. He loved the outdoors, growing trees from seeds, camping, and especially fishing both fresh and salt water in South Florida where he lived for the past 30 years. Later in life, Jim took up the hobby of collecting poker memorabilia and playing poker, a game which he studied for years, and eventually played semi-professionally.

He was born April 16, 1960, in Akron to William Kenneth and Lenora Ruth Hales Watson. He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, David Watson, and PFC Glenn Watson.

His mother, Ruth, survives in Lancaster. Survivors also include his wife of 13 years, Georgia Howell Watson, to whom he was married on November 25, 2000; a brother, Bill (Janet) Watson, McGregor, MN, a sister, Cindy Watson, Reynoldsburg; sister-in-law, Peggy Watson-Shiflett, Pickerington, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Friends may call from 11am until 1pm on Friday, November 22, 2013, at Mannasmith Funeral Home where the funeral will be held at 1 pm. Reverend Jeremy Stout will officiate and burial will take place at Oakdale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union County Cancer Society.