Jerome “Jay” L. Watson 85, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at his home. He was born October 11, 1939, in Springfield, to Robert M. and Geraldine F. (Kiska) Watson. He married Kathy Jo Harms on November 27, 1976, and she survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Kelly (Kurt) Kennedy of Springfield; three sons, Mark (Diane) Watson of Rochester, Quincy (Lindsey) Watson of Springfield and Kory (Karen) Watson of St. Petersburg, FL; twelve grandchildren, Tyler (Christi) and Reed (Ellie) Watson, Thea (Ryan) Taylor, Drew (Kelly) and Gage (Barbara) Swales, Liam, Paisley, Abigail, Jordan and Willy Watson and Dakota and Eli Kennedy; five great grandchildren, Paiton, Lane, Millie, Cora, Calvin and one on the way, Ridge and a sister-in-law, Carol Watson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Watson; aunts and uncles, Jack Watson, Nancy Watson, Virginia and Bill Kleban, Milo and Alice Watson and Kenny and Anne Watson and grandson, Donovan Kennedy.
Jay was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He served in the United States Army. He loved fishing, playing basketball and baseball. He was an avid University of Illinois and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Jay was the Illinois free throw champion while at Riverton High School in 1957. Jay attended Riverton High School and was a 1964 graduated of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
He was honored with life membership in the University of Illinois Presidents Council. He was on the Woodside Fire Protection District Board, a member of Island Bay Yacht Club and past member of the Sangamo Club. He served on the Riverton School Board for 7 years.
Jay was the owner of CDS Office Technologies for over 50 years. He was nominated for the Springfield Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award.
Visitation: 11 am – 1 pm, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Service: 1:00 pm, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Reverend Sarah Bishop officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Jay may be made to Rochester Junior High, Attn: Mr. Lauber, RJHS Band, 1 Rocket Drive, Rochester, IL 62563; Rochester (2-3) Elementary, Attn: Mr. Krepel/PTO, 456 Bertrand Drive, Rochester, IL 62563; or to St. Raphael Catholic School, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33704.
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