James “Jim” Edward Watts

MEDINA – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Edward Watts, who peacefully departed this life on 3/24/25 after a long battle with Leukemia at the age of 77. Jim, as he preferred to be called, was born 11/6/47. Jim was a beloved husband to Sheryl and loving father to James, Matthew and Ashton. Jim was a lifelong resident of Medina and graduated from MHS in 1965.

In August of 1967, Jim was drafted into the Army and left for Vietnam in Jan of 1968. Jim received numerous accommodations including Purple Heart and Silver Star. Jim was the only Orleans County resident to receive the Silver Star from the Vietnam War. Jim was honorably discharged in 1969. Jim worked for 36 years as a bus driver for Community Action Transportation System (CATS) located in Albion, NY. Driving was his passion. Jim enjoyed spending time with his passengers and getting to know them. Jim took great pride in knowing every road in Orleans County. Jim retired from CATS in 2012 where he started his new job babysitting his 1 st grandchild.

Jim was a member of the Genesee Valley Henrietta Moose Lodge. Jim was an assistant 4-H Leader for many years and helped run the Orleans County French Fry stand as the fry cook for over 30 years. Jim was an exempt member of the Shelby Fire Company. He joined the fire company in 1965 and was an active member for 10 years.

Jim loved being outdoors, camping, fishing and canoeing but his favorite pastime was spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sheryl (Read) Watts of 40 years, his children James (Vanessa) Watts of Honeoye Falls, NY, Matthew Watts of Manhattan KS, Ashton (Ryan) Lanighan of Barker, NY and his grandkids Wesley and Gabby Reinhard, Erinn, Liam and Owen Lanighan and James Watts III.

Jim is also survived by his siblings Margie Stachewicz of Medina, Patricia (Dave) Musto of AZ, Susan (Zoltan) Koleszar of Medina, Sidney Watts of Medina, Howard (Elaine) Watts of Medina, Gary (Robyn) Watts of Medina, Dale (Mary) Watts of Lyndonville, Mark (Robyn) Watts of Middleport, Diane (Justin) Ennis of Medina as well as several nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

Jim is predeceased by his parents Sidney and Naomi (Anstey) Watts, Sister-in-law Betty Jean Watts, Brother-in-law John Stachewicz and niece Laura Yates and half-brother Richard Watts.

Family will receive family and friends at Bogan and Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY, 14103, on Monday, April 7th, 2025, from 4pm-8pm. Service will be held on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 1212 West Ave, Medina, NY, 14103 at 11:00 AM with Rev Peter Lindermann officiating. Inurnment will be at the Western New York National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O.Box# 631, Buffalo, NY 14240, or to Orleans County Joint Veterans Council, 13996 Rt. 31 West, Albion, NY 14411, or to Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, P.O.Box#1, Medina, NY 14103.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Jim at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com