Jimmie J. Watson

Jimmie Julian Watson, Sr. died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 27th, 2022, at the age of 90.

Jimmie was born on March 29, 1931 in Crowley, Louisiana to James “Jesse” Watson and Evelyn Menard Watson. He graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1948, where he made lifelong friends. In his younger days, Jimmie was an exceptional tennis player who won many titles, and he remained an avid tennis fan throughout his life. He graduated from LSU in 1955 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He had a long and successful career working for Levingston Engineers. Jimmie, also a painter by family trade, was the original owner of South City Paint & Supply. In his younger years, Jimmie attended the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he was a lector, usher, and served on the church board. He also served as CYO Director for the Diocese of Lake Charles. In recent years, he attended Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Later in life, Jimmie met his beloved wife, Adlean LeBleu McFadden. They were married on April 11, 1998, and they shared a life filled with love, companionship, and many adventures. They loved to travel, camp, listen to music (especially polka music), and socialize with family and friends. Jimmie loved cooking his Cajun specialties. Jimmie was a lifelong LSU football fan, and he loved watching the football games with family. His wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were his worldly treasures. Jimmie said many times in the last few years that he had lived a wonderful life full of happiness, love, family, and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Adlean Watson, and his beloved children to mourn his passing: Deborah Bertrand, Jimmie Watson, Jr. (Charity), Kenneth Watson (Darla), Colleen Watson, Sharon Schon (Jim), Jessica Watson, Linda Graham (James), Angela Runyon (Charles), Charles Watson (Jennifer), Ardella Hill, Shana Mattick (Christopher), Crissie Franco (Juan), and his bonus son, Aaron Swan. He is survived by 25 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

When Jimmie married Adlean, he was blessed with additional children and is also survived by Wesley McFadden (Lynn), Deborah Fontenot (Burley “Boogie”), Brent McFadden (Carolyn), Scott McFadden, and 4 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James “Jesse” and Evelyn Watson; his sister, Ardella Watson Thermos; his son-in-law, Mark Bertrand; and his great grandson, Erik Pedersen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church on Monday, March 7 at 11 am.  Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at University Baptist Church on Sunday, March 6 from 4 pm to 8 pm, and there will be a rosary at 5 pm.  There will also be visitation on Monday, March 7 from 9 am to 10:30 am at University Baptist Church.