Obituaries:  James R. Watts, Sr., 1925, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From:  June 19, 1925 Winnfield News-American

J. R. Watts, Sr. Unexpectedly Dies Thursday

Town Is Grieved At Loss Of Prominent Citizen And Merchant

Silently answering the silent summons last Thursday night without sound or
struggle, after retiring apparently in perfect health, James R. Watts, Sr., 62
years old, and for seventeen years a citizen and merchant of Winnfield died
either from heart trouble or a ruptured blood vessel caused from high blood
pressure according to the belief of physicians.  Mr. Watts was found dead in his
bed by members of his family after failing to arise at the usual hour.  He seemed
to be still sleeping when called, his hands being folded and no evidence of any
struggle.

Mr. Watts moved to Winnfield in 1902 from Claiborne, the parish of his birth, and
immediately engaged in the mercantile business, which business he followed
successfully until his death last Thursday.  He was a member of the firm of Watts
& Sons Grocery Company at the time of his death, the other member being his son
Prentiss R. Watts.

During his seventeen years residence in Winnfield Mr. Watts was active in all
civic movements looking toward the betterment of the town.  He was an ever
dependable member of his church, and always evidenced a keen interest in the
welfare of the public schools.  He was twelve years a member of the local school
board of the Winnfield schools, and was a member of the M. E. Church South during
his entire seventeen years residence in thie city.  He was widely known for his
honesty, integrity, his Christian character, and his devotion to his family.

Interment was held in the Winnfield Cemetery Saturday morning, Rev. P. M.
Caraway, pastor of the M. E. Church South, preached the funeral sermon.

Mr. Watts left surviving him his widow, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Averette,
who reside in Winnfield, and eight children who are:  J. R. Watts, Jr.,
Winnfield; A. J. Watts, Camden, Ark.; Prentiss R. Watts and Kenneth Watts of
Winnfield; Mrs. W. J. Jackson, Ashland, La.; Mrs. R. H. Rushing, Alexandria, La.;
and the Misses Velva Lee and Edith Watts, both of Winnfield.