James Michael “Mike” Watts, age 77 of Marshall, Arkansas died on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at St. Vincent’s North in Sherwood, Arkansas. He was born in Marshall, Arkansas on July 6, 1946 to Clois Allen Watts and Ethel Bernice Medley Watts. He married Judy Harness on February 9, 1968 and to this union was born two children, Lance and Jamie.

He attended the Martin Box Mennonite Church growing up and later attended the Eastside Missionary Baptist Church. He served in the Army National Guard for six years.

He graduated from Marshall High School in 1964. He started working as a dry wall finisher in between the school years while in high school and continued for many years with his brother Charles.

After, he and his brother, Charles owned the CITGO Gas station and tire shop for a few years. After selling the station he went into the dairy business and also managed the White Oak Station in Marshall. He went on after retirement to raise beef cattle.

He enjoyed playing around with the harmonica, guitar and the banjo. He loved the Razorbacks and sports in general. He especially enjoyed watching the grandkids play ball loved joking around and pranking everyone. He liked to fish with his grandkids in the family pond and enjoyed watching westerns.

He was a very family-oriented man and his greatest joy came from time spent with them.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Judy Watts of the home; children, Lance Michael Watts and wife Juanita of St. Joe and Jamie Michele James and husband Jared of Harrison; his grandchildren, Sabrina Emerson (Keaton) of Russellville, Jonathan Drewry of St. Joe, Jasmine Watts of St. Joe, Jace James of Harrison and Emerie James, also of Harrison; brother, Charles Watts (Bennie) of Marshall; sisters, Roberta Ferguson of Marshall and Patricia Wilson of Marshall; niece, Cheryl Reed (Ricky) of Marshall; nephew, Kenneth Ferguson of Bella Vista; and many extended family and friends who will also mourn his passing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clois and Ethel Watts; and an infant sister, Melba Jene Watts.

Funeral services for him were 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. David Wallis and Bro. Kenneth Ferguson officiating. Visitation was 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. preceding the service. Burial was in East Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brandt Reed, Nick Reed, Preston Ferguson, Walker Ferguson, Warren Ferguson and Jared James. Honorary pallbearers were Mike’s Marshall High School Classmates of 1964.