James Richard Watters

James R. Watters, 86, of Chesterfield, VA, passed into eternity in the early hours of June 25, 2024. He was born in Chicago, IL, to the late Richard (Dick) and Donna (Leifer) Watters. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara (Rust) Watters; son, Mike and his wife, Deborah, of Duluth, MN; son, Alan and his wife, Joanna, of Silsbee, TX; daughter, Suzanne (Saunders) and her husband, Mark, of Chester, VA; twelve grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by grandson, Victor.

Jim grew up in Pierceton, IN, and spent much of his time playing baseball and basketball, fishing, and working on local farms. He attended Hanover College, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity; he remained in touch with a number of his fraternity brothers throughout his life. He obtained a Master's degree in Education from Ohio University in 1963.

In the summer of 1961, Jim worked the Woodcraft Camp at Culver (IN) Military Academy. Little did he know that he would meet the love of his life in Culver. He and Barb married in 1962 and were inseparable thereafter. They welcomed 3 children within the next few years. Their kids were, by far, the most fortunate kids on the planet: loved, nurtured, instructed, and corrected. In addition to Barb, they were his pride and joy. He was always present at games, recitals, school events, and home. His presence and guidance and wisdom permeated their home, and so did laughter. He often had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, a characteristic that his children and grandchildren have inherited. He taught us how to work hard and do a good job, the importance of forgiveness, and how to make friends. The love, respect, and honor that he had for Barb, and the fun-loving relationship they shared, left a lasting impact on his children.

While his family knew him as "Dad", he was "Coach" to many others. He taught and coached (primarily football and track) in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Virginia throughout his career. His longest stints were at Alpena (MI) High School (1969-1982) and at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield, VA (1982-2006). He was inducted into the L.C. Bird Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. It is impossible to measure the impact that he had on his family, students, players, and colleagues over the past 6 decades, but his legacy is undeniably significant and a testament to a life well-lived.

He will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends. But his legacy on earth lives on.

The family will welcome visitors from 3-5 p.m., on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, followed by a service at Chester United Methodist Church at 2 p.m., on Sunday, June 30, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association ( www.alz.org ).