James Watson Sr

James H. Watson, Sr., 86, of West Alexander, Pa. died Friday, May 20, 2011 at 7:50 p.m. in Liza's Place Care Center of Valley Hospice, Wheeling, W.Va. after a short illness.He was born September 15, 1924 in Valley Grove, W.Va. a son of the late Henry and Sarah Violet Richmond Watson.Mr. Watson had resided in the Valley Grove and Washington areas for several years prior to moving to West Alexander where he had resided for over 50 years. He was a member of the West Alexander United Methodist Church.Mr. Watson was a graduate of the former West Alexander High School, the former Penn Commercial Business College and the Pittsburgh Traffic and Transportation School.He was a veteran of World War II where he served in the U.S. Army as a private first class in the medical detachment of the 502nd AAA Gun Bn. He was awarded the Asian-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, the Phillipine Liberation Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, the Good Conduct Ribbon and the Victory medal.Mr. Watson was a former employee of Dravo Construction Co. at Neville Island and was last employed as the Traffic Manager for the former Washington Steel Corp. in Washington for over 40 years prior to retiring in 1996.On March 19, 1948 he married Sally Lou Schleicher who died October 2, 2010.Surviving are a son, James H. Jr, husband of Carol Watson of Warwood,W.Va.; two daughters, Sandra, wife of Steve Minter of Wheeling, W.Va. and Kyle Ann, wife of Chester Sheets of West Alexander; a sister, Bertie Amos of West Alexander; five grandchildren, Thomas, husband of Clarissa Teagarden, Stephanie Minter, wife of Justin Allen, J. Jason, husband of Courtney Watson and Matthew, husband of Victoria Watson and S. Shane Minter; four great grandchildren, Thomas, Megan and Jeremy Teagarden, J. Clayton Watson; a great great grandchild, Baylee Teagarden.Deceased in addition to his parents and wife are a daughter, Emma "Ginger" Caroline Watson; two sisters, Betty Watson who died in infancy and Delveria Wallace; two brothers, Clair and Caroll Watson.The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Liza's Place Care Center of Valley Hospice, 308 Mt. St. Joseph Rd., Wheeling, W.Va., 26003 or the American Legion Post 656, West Alexander, Pa. 15376.