JESS D. “WATTY” WATSON

October 23, 1920--January 9, 2009

Jess Watson, beloved husband of Jackie Watson and a longtime resident of Corona Del Mar, died peacefully on January 9, 2009 at the age of 88. Jess was surrounded by four generations of his family at the time of his death.

Jess was affectionately known by his friends as “Big Watty” and was born on October 23, 1920 in Los Angeles to Jesse and Eva Watson. His family moved from Los Angeles to Glendale in 1930 where he and his sister Jean were raised. After graduating from Glendale High School in 1938, Jess attended Washington State University where he played football.

Like many of the “Greatest Generation,” Jess left school and enlisted in the United States Army at the beginning of World War II. He served four years, three months and was honorably discharged with the rank of Major after having served under the command of General George Patton while training troops in the Destroyer Tank Corps. He also served in the Philippines and in the post-war occupation of Japan. Jess continued with the Army Reserves into the early 1950’s.

At the conclusion of WWII, Jess returned to Southern California, married Jacqueline Hammond, and began to raise a family in Glendale. He worked for the Alfred Hart Liquor Distributorship and then began a long career in the beer business as an executive with the General Brewing Corporation and as an independent beer distributor in the Los Angeles area. In 1968, Jess left General Brewing and went to work for the Greyhound Corporation with his long-time friend Jess Nicks, where he served in various corporate roles until his retirement in 1982.

After retiring, Jess returned to school to finish his education that was interrupted by World War II. He relished the academic environment and graduated with honors from California State University at Fullerton with a degree in American Studies. At the time of graduation, he was the second oldest graduate in the history of the University.

At about the same time, Big Watty was asked to participate on the Management Staff of the 1984 Olympics and thoroughly enjoyed his involvement based on his lifetime of athletic endeavors and sports appreciation. Jess also served as an appointed member of the Orange County Grand Jury in 1985 and 1986.

Jess and Jackie raised their family in Glendale and graduated three boys from Glendale High School and then the University of Southern California. After their sons moved to USC, they relocated to Laguna Niguel in 1971 and then to Corona Del Mar in 1987.

Big Watty was an avid sports fan, athlete and season ticket holder to just about every Southern California sports team. He loved the game of golf and was a member of the California Country Club in San Francisco, Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles, Oakmont Country Club in Glendale and El Niguel Country Club in Laguna Niguel. In his prime, Jess was an accomplished amateur golfer and played in the Bing Crosby Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament for 13 years as well as numerous L.A. Open tournaments. He also served on the Board of Directors of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame for many years.

Jess is survived by his loving and devoted wife of more than 62 years, Jackie Watson, who lives in Corona Del Mar. As well, Jess and Jackie have three sons--Steve Watson and wife Debra who live with their daughter Leilua in Pago Pago, American Samoa; Dan Watson and wife Kathy who live in Glendale; Dan’s two children, Tom and his family (with two great grand-children) and Melissa who both live in the L.A. area, and; James “Watty” Watson and wife Kimmy who live on Balboa Island with their three children Chase, Chrissy and Colby.

A private memorial service has already been held and his remains interred at the family plot in Forest Lawn, Glendale.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jess Watson’s name to the: Alzheimer’s Association—Orange County Chapter, P. O. Box 16471, Irvine California 92623.