Obituaries

James Samuel “Sam” Watson III, 74, passed away on February 7th, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Sam was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.   He spent his life teaching his children and grandchildren to value hard work, adventure, learning, and creativity.   But, above all, he valued people.  He never hesitated when it came to helping another, whether a neighbor, friend, co-worker or even a stranger.

He cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He enjoyed flying kites, singing in the church choir, building things, camping, and going on cruises.  He also rooted loyally for the Chicago Bears, even when they weren’t winning.   He had a strong faith in God and had a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of God’s creation.

Sam was born in Tryon, NC.   He attended high school at Camp Lejeune Marine base in Jacksonville, NC where his mother, Faye, was a teacher.  During the Vietnam War, Sam joined the Navy.  He was stationed in Rota, Spain, where he worked in Naval intelligence.   He later told people he spent his time there “fixing radios” but he was really intercepting spy messages.

Sam met his wife, Marilyn (nee Pechous) on New Year’s Eve 1967 at the Chicago USO while he was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base.   They married May 24, 1969.

After being honorably discharged, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology at DeVry Institute of Technology in 1972.   He later went on to earn his Masters Degree in Business Administration from Illinois Benedictine College in 1986.  He spent the large part of his career as a professor at DeVry University teaching electronics engineering, computer networking, and project management.  He enjoyed teaching and the time he had mentoring students.

Sam & Marilyn had three children: James Samuel “Jim” Watson IV, Dawn Marie Curran (nee Watson), and David Michael Watson. Sam led Cub Scout troops, refereed t-ball games, and “helped” with science projects.   He always earned As on his kids’ science projects!

He retired from DeVry about 15 years ago to help raise his grandchildren.   In retirement, he traveled the world with Marilyn and enjoyed many good times with family and friends, including their good friend, Brenda Fraki.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jim.; his mother, Faye Watson (nee Stone); his son, David, and many beloved dogs, including the most recently departed Bobbi.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn; his son, Jim; Jim’s wife, Jennifer (nee Coleman); Jim and Jennifer’s children, James and Danielle; his daughter, Dawn; her husband, Steve Curran; and their children, Ethan and Chloe.  He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Flowers (nee Watson) of Raleigh, North Carolina.

We hope you will remember him for his kind and generous nature, for how he valued people above things, and for how he faced challenges with an unwavering spirit and a brave heart.

Visitation for Sam Watson will be Monday, February 15th from 4-8pm at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E Main St, in St Charles. All are welcome. Masks and social distancing are required.

A funeral mass will be Tuesday, February 16th, 10:00am, St Francis Xavier Church, 2500 Arbeiter Rd in Joliet, IL 60586. Private burial later that day at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Sam’s favorite charities: the USO, the Salvation Army, or St Francis Xavier Church in Joliet.

USO.org

SalvationArmy.org

http://www.sfxjoliet.org/

For Further information call Yurs Funeral Home St. Charles. 630-584-0060

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