James Watt

James Arthur Watt, age 83, of Timewell, Illinois went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 12:06 a.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. 

James was born at home on December 20, 1937 in “Mounds Station” Timewell, Illinois the son of James Lloyd and Minerva Jane Klingler Watt.  

James attended Timewell Grade School and Brown County High School.  He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and served as a leader for many years of the Timewell troop.  James served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1961 until 1966  as a heavy weapons infantry and drill sergeant.  His great love was serving as a member and deacon at Spring Valley Independent Church near Siloam Springs.  The cross he designed and mounted to the front of the church is still a symbol of the fervent faith he had in Christ.  A faith which was evident up to the moment of his passing.  

He married Brenda Kay Lantz on August 30, 1964 in Mt. Sterling, and she survives.

James began working with his father in the log business at the age of 14.  He later built Morton Buildings all over the midwest that many still use in our area.  He also worked as an independent carpenter/contractor. James later established Watt Sanitation which served many counties in our area and built his own roll off trucks, dumpsters and roll off boxes.  After 30 years of being in business, he retired in 2000.

Throughout his life his past interests were beekeeping, hunting, woodworking, refurbishing antique cars, gardening, cooking and canning.  He also custom designed and built muzzle loading rifles.  There wasn’t much he couldn’t make or do with his engineering mind.  

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Kay Watt of Timewell.  2 children Lynette Weese (Doug) of Camp Point and Jason Watt (Jennifer) of Littleton.  8 grandchildren Ian Cloutier (Lindsey), Ashley Kesler (Joel), Joselyn Monroe (Kasey), Douglas Weese (Ciara), Jackson Weese, Kelsie Kaylor (Chris), Karlie Watt (Cody) and Miranda Gorsuch.  14 great grandchildren Livie Henrick, Riddik Davey, Mykel Seither, Colson Gower, Cash and Cyrus Cloutier, Charles and Shepherd Kesler, Greyson Steel, Karver and Ruby Monroe, Owen, June and Walker Weese also survive along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents James and Margaret Utter Watt and Arthur and Dorothy Shepherd Klingler, her parents James and Minerva Watt, a brother Gerald in infancy and a sister Patricia Boker.  

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2021 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Pastor Rod Sutton officiating. 

Burial will follow in the Mounds Cemetery near Timewell, Illinois.  Military honors will be conducted at the graveside.  

Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Sunday at the funeral home.

The State of Illinois has mandated that masks are required for those attending the visitation and services.  

Memorials are suggested to the Blessing Foundation for Hospice or the Spring Valley Independent Church.  

Condolences for the family may be left on line at hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Watt, please visit our floral store.