Jim Watts passed away on Feb. 20, 2011, at the age of 76, fromthe effects of pneumonia. He had been suffering from Parkinson’sdisease for many years.

He was born Dec. 2, 1934, in Brookhaven. He graduated fromBrookhaven High School and fondly remembered “the troops.” Hegraduated from Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana, Saint JosephSeminary in Louisiana, and the North American College of theGregorian University in Rome. After serving as a minister in theDiocese of Mississippi for seven years, he attended Tulane Schoolof Social Work. He worked in this field for 29 years, helpingagencies, individuals and families address the needs of thedevelopmentally disabled and mentally ill. During this time, hegraduated from Loyola University. He held master’s degrees intheology, social work and pastoral studies. He was a former memberof St. Henry Catholic and while there, participated in the homeministry and RCIA programs. He was an avid golfer.

Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years, Deborah (Debbie) Watts ofMoss Bluff, La.; daughter, Emily Watts of Duson, La.; brother,Peter L. Watts and wife, Barbara, of Brookhaven; sister-in-law,Rosemary Watts of Shreveport, La.; and many nieces andnephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter E. Watts Sr. andElizabeth M. Watts; and his brother, Walter E. Watts Jr.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at the Care Center ofDeQuincy and the DeQuincy Memorial Hospital for their kindness,support and excellent care for the past three years. Special thanksalso to Msgr. Charles DuBois and Danny Sheridan for many years offriendship and spiritual support.

Burial will be in Brookhaven on Saturday, Feb. 26. Visitation willbe held from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Harrigill Funeral Home. Agraveside service will be conducted by Fr. Matthew Simmons at 1p.m. at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Robert Panzica, Ralph Peeples Jr., Norman Young,Jason Watts, Owen King and Ben Pyeatt.

An open house will follow at the home of Pete and Barbara Watts,633 Crooked Lane.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ParkinsonAssociation of the South (P.O. Box 16558, Lake Charles, LA 70616);St. Theodore Catholic Church (P.O. Box 12726 Lake Charles, LA70612); or a charity of choice.