James Leroy Watters

James Leroy Watters, 84, passed away on September 19, 2024 in Waco, Texas after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bladder cancer. A graveside service will be held at Valley View Cemetery Rocky Ford, Colorado, Friday, October 25th at 10 am.

He was born on February 17, 1940 at home in Cheraw, Colorado to Reva Myra Dintaman and John Franklin Watters. He married Lucinda Ann Smith on June 17, 1962 at the Cheraw Methodist Church in Cheraw, Colorado. They had two children, Deborah (Debbie) Watters, and Sandra (Sandie) Watters-Headrick. He has 4 grandchildren, Caylon Headrick, Kiefer Headrick, Shaelyn Headrick- Mayo, and Tristan Headrick. He has one great-grandchild, Braelyn Mayo, and one on the way (Carson James Headrick) due December 2024.

James (Jim) was born in Cheraw, but he and his two brothers, Jerry and Ronald (Slug), lived with their parents in several places before eventually returning to Colorado. Always one for action and adventure even at the very young age of 5, he told stories of disappearing with the milkman to make morning deliveries via horse and wagon while living in Los Angeles, California. Apparently, this was not an activity his mother was fond of him participating in. The family eventually returned to Colorado and settled in Cheraw where the boys all helped their father in his family business of raising turkeys. There were fond stories of the trouble boys in rural small towns can get up to. Things like hunting coyotes with junk cars, secret forts on “the island” in the middle of Cheraw Lake, and teenage boys throwing dynamite at each other. He was an excellent multisport athlete in High School with a tentative plan to play football in college. These plans ended early in his senior year of High School, when a car chase with the local police in La Junta netted him a night in jail courtesy of his father and subsequent mandate of enter the service or go to jail. He chose the Navy. He entered the Navy December 30, 1957 and was stationed at the Alameda naval air base outside of San Francisco, California. He spent his time in the service all stateside achieving the rank of Petty Officer third class. He received his GED while in the service with training in electronics. He was transferred to the reserves January 11, 1961 and finally discharged December 29, 1963.

After being transferred from active duty, he returned to Colorado and met his future wife, Lucinda Smith one night while out with friends. She had apparently enlisted his help looking for the keys to “her” brand new 1961 red Chevy Impala. Needless to say, she was quite surprised when he produced the keys to “her” car. They were married on June 17, 1962 in Cheraw. Two daughters, Debbie and Sandie, arrived in 1963 and 1964. Jim and his family lived in several places in Colorado while he worked in the trucking business. The family eventually returned to Cheraw, Colorado where he worked with his uncle in the pump business. His daughters were active in Little Britches rodeo which eventually led to him shifting his focus to raising and training quarter racehorses. When he retired in Colorado, he was able to see all four of his grandchildren arrive and spend time in their early lives before he decided to go to Texas where his eldest daughter had moved. Once more, he spent some time raising horses and enjoying his retirement. He was able to see his first great-grandchild arrive just this year. Before his recent passing, he was very proud to hear that his name will be passed down to his second great-grandchild in December.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reva Watters, Colorado, and John Watters, Colorado; brothers Jerald Watters, Colorado, & Ronald Watters, Colorado; ex-wife Lucinda Watters-Rohrer.

Jim is survived by his daughters Debbie Watters, Texas; and Sandie (Clifton) Headrick, Colorado; grandchildren Caylon (Andrea) Headrick, Colorado; Kiefer (Jenna) Headrick, Colorado; Shaelyn (Gage) Mayo, Colorado; Tristan Headrick, Colorado (Vet-USMC). Great-grandchildren, Braelyn Shae Mayo, and Carson James Headrick due December 2024 to Caylon & Andrea Headrick.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on Jim’s “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com