James "Jim" David Watt

January 6, 1943 ~ February 2, 2025
Born in:
Medina, NY
Resided in:
New Braunfels, TX
Born to Mary and Alexander Watt, Jr. on January 6, 1943 in Medina, New York, James (Jim) had 4 siblings, John, Sally, Ramon, and Mary Anne.
A loving, raucous, adventurous crew, everyone knew the “Watt” children on West Center Street. His lifetime best friend Richard (Dick) Garlock often joined in on the adventures.
Jim graduated from Medina High School in 1961. Jim served as a volunteer fireman for the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, an auxiliary police officer for the Medina Police Department and an underwater rescue diver for Orleans County. His entrepreneurial spirt led him to open Jim Watt Antenna at the same he was pursuing his associate’s degree in accounting from Niagra University.
Jim’s accounting career began at N.L. Industries in Niagra Falls, New York. He found his passion for numbers and people and advanced quickly. He was promoted to N.L. Chemicals, moving to Howell, New Jersey, then to Baroid Drilling Fluids in Houston, Texas. Baroid Drilling Fluids was acquired by Halliburton, and Jim retired from Halliburton in 2007 as Controller of the Baroid Drilling Fluids Division North America.
Jim met his match in Gloria. Jim and Gloria married in 1965. In 1967 they welcomed their first child, Timothy James, followed by Melissa Elaine in 1972.
Jim and Gloria lived in Medina, New York; Howell, New Jersey and spent the rest of their lives as Texas transplants living in Spring, Texas for over 40 years. They moved to New Braunfels, Texas in 2022.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother John and sister Mary Anne, and brother-in-law Dave Weaver.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Gloria, son Timothy James, daughter Melissa Lamoreaux (Marc) and granddaughter Edie Lamoreaux, and step grandchildren Jacob Lamoreaux and Erynn Lamoreaux Engel (Matthew); brother Ramon Watt (Dolly), niece Julie Comfort, sister Sally Weaver and numerous nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, and work associates.
If you had the honor of being in Jim’s circle of influence, you always felt seen. He cared more about the person, then he ever did an outcome. He was empathic to the core and knew exactly how to inspire and comfort at the same time. He expected your best when he knew you could give it. More than anything, he wanted you to believe in yourself just as much as he did.
Jim was a big baseball fan; the New York Yankees and Houston Astros were his favorite teams. He appreciated a well-manicured lawn, classic cars, morning jogs, working out at the gym, and chasing firetrucks, police and paramedics during fires and bad weather events. He loved a good hometown parade, any card game, sharing a cold beer with good friends and family and dropping a good curse word at the most unexpected times. He was a pseudo father to many. Most of all, he loved and valued his family.
Jim’s favorite place was Lake Ontario, New York, where he spent many a good time with family and friends throughout his life. A celebration of his life will be held at Lake Ontario at a later date with close family and friends.
Gloria I am so saddened hearing of Jim’s passing. May our dear Christ embrace you, Tim and Melissa w/ his comforting graces.
Jim will be missed and if ever in Houston please give me a call as I only have Jim’s cell number.
Many blessings and prayers to the entire family.
Pat Kirchner
Those Heavenly Bells are braking up that old gang of mine. Now, we are five.
We miss you Jim. Save our seats.
Sending love to Gloria, Tim and Melissa.
Holding back tears,
Dick and Kathy
Gloria, Tim, Melissa and family – I am so sad to hear this news. Jim was such a prominent person in my life for many years as a manager, mentor and friend at Baroid. He was always in my corner and did everything he could to help me succeed at work. I am forever grateful to him. I hope you all can find comfort in this time of loss knowing he will be missed by many. I am sending prayers to you all.
The Watt family you have my deepest sympathy. Jim was very well known and respected at Baroid. Always took time to help you. May the Lord bless and confort you in this time of sorrow. He will be missed. The angels are singing in heaven as another angel watching over you and the family.
Take care and God bless.