With the holidays fast approaching and preparations being made for family gatherings, I am always flooded with memories of my amazing mother-in-law, precious friend, and co-founder of River Region Parents (formerly Montgomery Parents), Marty Watson. While we had more beautiful moments together than I could ever count, the holidays always come to the forefront of my mind regarding Marty.
As we approach this year’s holiday season, our family is grieving the loss of my father-in-law, co-founder of River Region Parents, and current publisher of River Region’s BOOM magazine, Jim Watson. Jim passed away unexpectedly in his home on Sunday morning, October 27th, at the age of 74.
If you knew Jim and spent any time in conversation with him, you knew you were valued. You knew you were seen and heard. You were inspired by his zest for life that never seemed to fade. At 74, he was still making new business plans, jotting down notes of things he wanted to accomplish, and had just returned from a two-week road trip out West with his wife, Sandy. A journey in which he planned every accommodation and detail. Jim refused to allow his numeric age to dictate how he lived his life. He was living it to the fullest!
I had the pleasure of watching him be a devoted father to his sons, Jason and James, and I knew he considered me his daughter. He was a father to me in every way that matters for 30+ years. From deep discussions late into the evening to tender, minute-long embraces just to say hello (even longer if he knew you needed to be comforted), Jim gave me and all those he cared for his unconditional love.
Our family could not have asked for a better father and grandfather, and we are so thankful for our many years with Jim (Pop). While he is no longer here to give us that perfect pep talk, challenge us to see a situation from a different perspective, or give us that minute-long hug, all the goodness he invested in us will remain and live on throughout our lives and into the next generations of the Watson family.
Jim and Marty (Pop and Gram) are finally in each other’s presence again. It was one of the first thoughts we all had on the day of Jim’s passing—a sweet and comforting thought of a loving reunion. We honor you both and intend to make you proud, remembering all that you instilled in us and feeling how much we were loved by you both.
