James Watson

James "Jimmy" Watson was born June 26, 1936, in Bellamy, Alabama. To the late Maggie Pearl Watson Hall Bishop and James Drake. He was educated at Bellamy School in Alabama, he also accepted Christ at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Bellamy.

In his younger years, James worked for Chevy in Detroit, Michigan in the early 1960's. Later, he would move to Cleveland, Ohio and found love in retail business. First working at Morlin's, then opened his own store called "Watsons Discounts", that he ran for 10 years. Once in Cleveland, James made it a point to have his family move to Cleveland for work and to have everyone around. James was an all-around family man and hardworking man, always made sure everyone was taken care of. Later in 1999 he would start working at Marc's where he retired in 2020.

James lived a life rich in love, laughter, faith, and service. To know him was to be inspired, he wore many hats, lived many lives, and touched countless hearts. Whether he was working all day long or simply lending a hand to anyone in need, James gave himself fully and left joy wherever he went. You could always find him watching his old western shows, baseball or football. Always enjoying something sweet after a good meal.

James believed in family, community, and in helping people rise. He had the gift of making everyone feel like they belonged, and his presence lit up every room. His journey here on earth was not about goodbyes, but about leaving behind lessons, stories, and love that will live on for generations.

James was proceeded in death by four sisters, Jane Chaney, Rose Lee Hall, Katie Mae Hall, and Freddie Hall; six brothers, his twin John Hall, Jesse James Hall, Frank James Hall, Levi Hall, Lorain Hall, and Leroy Hall; one grandson, Sherwan Wanzo.

James leaves to be cherished by his lifelong companion, Mary Joyce Dixon; three sons; James Dixon (Beverly), William Dixon, and Richard Dixon; two daughters, Tanzie Halsell (Imari Warfield), and Tara Price; eight grandchildren, Jasmine, Taylor, Tiffany, Rayshawn, Jazmyne, Sharmaine, Jada, Cache, and Madison; four great-grandchildren, India, Anthony, Ryan, and Jaxson, siblings, Benjamin (Ruby) Watson, Eddie Hall, Frankie Hall, Glennis Bishop, Innis Bishop, Willie Lee Bishop, Margaret (Daniel) Gulley, Yvonne Bishop and Shantesha Bishop; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.