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Obituary of James Freeman Watt
It is with heavy hearts that the family of James Freeman Watt announce his passing on February 3rd, 2025, at Shannex in Saint John. Jim was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia on March 1st, 1936. He was the fourth and youngest son to parents James and Christine (née Munro) Watt.
It could be said that from his first cry he was a huge presence in this world. Jim wore many hats and travelled many roads in his long, colourful and memorable life. He was a hardworking and determined man who gave much of his free time to helping people and the community. He was a longtime member of St David’s Church and a member of Hampton Golf Course. He served on many committees and boards including the Saint John Regional Hospital Board, Rothesay Police Board, Kennebecasis Library Board among many others. He served as Mayor of Gondola Point for many years and developed significant community recreational assets through his time there. But Jim’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He was fiercely proud of his six children, twenty-one grandchildren and six great grandchildren (so far…). His role of Dad/Gramps was where he found immense joy. To him, family was everything and he was a larger-than-life presence in all of their lives. He had a loving, hilarious, involved, engaging relationship with every single one of them and with the people that they brought into their lives. He was so welcoming and thrived on being surrounded by everyone as much as possible. He considered himself quite an extraordinary storyteller and if a story was worth telling, it was worth repeating dozens and dozens and dozens of times. To say he was humorous cannot be properly stated. He truly loved to laugh and to make others laugh — everyone around got to share in his absolute joy. Every now and then he needed to be lectured on what was politically correct which may or may not have been properly heeded by him. Jim’s infectious laughter, competitive spirit and genuine kindness impacted everyone he met. Strangers were just friends he hadn’t introduced himself to yet. He loved to travel the world with his wife of 60 years, Ann. They lived life to the fullest together and were always on the move throughout their long lives together. Jim never missed an opportunity for a beautiful vacation, a good meal, a competitive game, a spontaneous visit, a show of support for someone who needed it, or a celebration. Someone once said “If I have as much fun in the rest of my life as Jim Watt will have in the next 45 minutes, I’ll die a happy man”.
Jim was predeceased by the love of his life Ann (née MacConnell), his incredible grandson Aaron Macdonald as well as his brothers Earl, Vincent and Bob.
He is survived by his six children: Darlene (Bruce), Rick (Michele), Rob (Syl), Randy (Laura), Debbie (Jeff) and Deanne (Chris). His grandchildren: Kevin (Charlotte), Greg, Taylor, Brett (Emma), Nicole (Blake), Jake, Sara (Adam), Megan (Peter), Jamie, Kate, Olivia, Anna, Graeme, Mackenzie, Mitchell, Madison, Matthew, Jack, Isabel and Regan. His great grandchildren: Kaylee, Lexy, Payton, Robbie, Lyla and Shepherd.
Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). A private family celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances of Jim may be made to JDRF, Main Street Community Services in Ottawa or a charity of the donor’s choice. Also, with Jim in mind, carry out a random act of kindness for someone who needs a little help or to simply put a smile on their face.
1936 2025
Death notice for the town of: Kennebecasis-Valley, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
death notice James
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Watt 1936 2025
obituaries notice James
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Watt 1936 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of James
Freeman
Jim
Watt 1936 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
