JAMES W. WATTS, 81, of Lavalette, W.Va., went home to the arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at St. Mary's Medical Center.  He was born November 19, 1935 at Huntington, W.Va., a son of the late Frances and Emogene Cox.  Also preceding him in death was one son, James H. Watts; granddaughter Brandy Lee McGowan; and great grandson, Jace Ryan McGowan.  James was retired from Huntington Interstate Milk Producers Association and a member of Mays Chapel United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Eva Watts; daughters, Theresa (Bob) Talbert, Connie (Gary) McGowan both of Huntington; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.  Also surviving are two sisters, Yvonne (Raymond) Cox of Washington, W.Va., and Frances Ann (Danny) Hickman of Parkersburg, W.Va.; brothers-in-law, Ulysis (Loretta) Walters and Harold (Lorraine) Walters both of Huntington, and James Tate of Georgia; sister-in-law Lavonne (John) McDunley; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home with Pastor Bob Talbert and Brother Gary McGowan and Brother Jonathan Talbert officiating.  Entombment will follow at Forest Memorial Park, Milton, W.Va., with grandsons James Watts II, James Watts III, James McGowan, Bryan McGowan, James Talbert, and Jonathan Talbert serving as pallbearers.  Friends may call after 12 noon Saturday at the funeral home.