James A. Watson, aged 80, a resident of Morgantown, WV passed peacefully at Ruby Memorial Hospital on July 10, 2026. Jim was born on June 15, 1946 in Martinsburg, WV, the eldest son of the late James A. Watson, Sr. and Kathleen Gregory Watson. He graduated from Martinsburg High School in 1964, attended Shepherd College from 1964-1967, and graduated from West Virginia University in 1972, 1975, and 1980 with a Ph.D. in history. Jim Served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972 as a medic he attained the rank of staff sergeant.
During college Jim worked at Harper’s Ferry as a historical guide and blacksmith. He taught history at Martinsburg High School from 1967 to 1968. After receiving his doctorate, he served as a university administrator in Institutional Advancement for the University of Baltimore, Shepherd College, Radford University, and the West Virginia University Foundation twice. He retired from the WVU Foundation in 2017.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, M/Sgt. Terry Wayne Watson. Jim is survived by his favorite and only niece, Terri Watson Perkins, and her husband Christian, and his great-nephew, Jacob Gregory Ryan, of Tampa, Florida, and many loving cousins. He is also survived by his former wife and best friend, Pam Shriver and her husband Ronald Zadrozny of Wadestown, WV.
Jim was an avid historian and reader, a fan of Sherlock Holmes and a die-hard New York Yankees fanatic. He absolutely loved animals, especially dogs and after his retirement he could be found many days taking care of Tucker, his favorite Great Dane. Jim has established two endowments in his family’s name, one at the WVU Foundation for scholarships for graduate students in History to study in Great Britain, and one at Shepherd University in support of the Ruth Scarborough Library.
Jim and his family wish to thank his colleagues and friends for their many kindnesses during his life and throughout his illness. We would also like to thank the nurses at Ruby Memorial for their compassionate care, especially Hubie Bland who showed him so much compassion in his last days. As per his wishes, the funeral service and burial will be private.
The Tennant Funeral Home in Hundred, WV is in charge of arrangements.