James R. "Jim" Watson of Sharon passed away peacefully at 11:27 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2018, in Nugent's CCRC, Hermitage. He was 79.

Mr. Watson was born October 6, 1938, in Sharon, a son of the late James R. Watson, Sr. and Pauline M. (Meyer) Watson. He was a lifelong area resident and attended Sharon schools.

Beginning in high school, Jim was employed by his father at Watson's Ambulance, servicing the communities of Sharon and Hubbard, OH. He later earned his E.M.T. certification and took over ownership of the ambulance service. Jim is credited with bringing E.M.T. and C.P.R. certification courses to the Shenango Valley, as well as establishing the first radio communication system that enabled E.M.S. vehicles to communicate with local hospitals while in service.

He also owned and operated Jim's Towing and Courtesy Cab, both Sharon, and served as a Mercer Co. Deputy Sherriff for many years.

Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, where he was a former trustee.

He loved camping and spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

Surviving are: his beloved wife of 53 years, the former Ann Dilley, whom he married April 24, 1965; two daughters, Annie (Howard) Mason, Hubbard, and Joyce (Steve) Watson-Merrifield, Sharon; two sons, J.R. Watson, III and Ziba (Christina) Watson, all of Hubbard; a former daughter-in-law, Sue Watson, Hubbard; two sisters, Alma (Norman) Adams, Sharon, and twin sister Joyce (David) Hettrick-Holste, Hermitage; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Faith Ann (Huston) Watson;  a daughter, Alma Carlo; two sisters, Marilyn Kelly and Paula Lambert; and a brother, Charles A. Watson.

Calling hours will be 1 p.m. until the time of service Thursday (8-16-18) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.