James “Jim” Edward Watson

James “Jim” Edward Watson, 72, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., formerly of Blytheville, departed this life on Friday, Sept. 2, 2021, at his home. Born to Edward and Zola Reams Watson in Blytheville, he was a resident for most of his life and a retired postal employee of the United States Postal Service. Jim served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Jim was a faithful member of the Ruddle Road Church of God where he taught the Faith Keepers Sunday School Class for over 30 years. Through his teaching and dedication over the years he has been instrumental in helping to bring many souls to Christ. Through his faith in Christ, he was able to share a life well lived with everyone he came in contact with. It was a life that he believed in and lived by example to family, friends, and strangers. He was a man who loved his family with all his heart and treasured the years and memories created with each one. His parents preceded him in death.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Alice Sanders Watson of the home; children, Kenny and Holly Derrick of Memphis, Tenn., Jeff and Michele Derrick of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; grandchildren, Brice and Pam, Miranda and Ross, Wesley, Allison, Brandon and Alexandra, Eddie and Crystal and Kimberly; six great grandchildren; sister, Patsy Watson Keller and her husband Richard of Jonesboro; brother, Terry Watson and his wife Delana of Jonesboro; several nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and a host of many great friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Sept. 5, at 3 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Danny Pankey officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 2 p.m. until service time also at Cobb Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele, Mo. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.