James Robert "Jim" Watts passed away December 29, 2020, at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, KS. He was a lifelong Yates Center resident born to Robert L. and Rachel (Jackson) Watts on September 25, 1942, in rural Yates Center on the family farm in Woodson County, KS. He was the youngest of four children. He is survived by two brothers, Gale Watts of Burlington, KS, and Lyle Watts of Yates Center.; a sister, Mary Pringle (Nelson) of Yates Center; many nieces and nephews; 16 cousins (11 survive him); and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He attended South Star rural grade school for six years and the next two years at Kalida School, both in Woodson County. He graduated from Yates Center High School in 1960 and attended Kansas State University. Jim served in the National Guard and received his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

He was first employed by J. C. Schell Pluming in Yates Center. Jim owned and operated Watts Oil Company, a bulk oil and gasoline distributorship for many years in Yates Center. After selling his business, he was employed by Gates Corporation and Woodson County. Jim was industrious and enjoyed planning and completing the job.

Jim lived in the house where he was born until the early 1990's. He then built a house on land that his Paternal Grandparents had raised their family on. He and his mother resided there until her death. Jim continued living there until his health declined and he could no longer live on his own. He resided most recently at Guest Home II in Chanute.

Jim had a strong faith in the Lord, was a lifetime Presbyterian and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Chanute.

Private family services will be held January 5, 2021. Inurnment will be in Kalida Cemetery, Yates Center, KS.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the nurses and staff while residing at Yates Center Health Care and Guest Home Estates II, Chanute for the loving care and compassion given to Jim.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International or One Challenge and may be sent in care of Campbell Funeral Home PO Box 288, Yates Center, KS 66783.