James D. "Jim" Watt

James D. “Jim” Watt, 74, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023, at University Hospitals in Iowa City, IA.

Jim was born in Waterloo, IA on October 19, 1948, the son of James W. and Leona J. (Huinker) Watt. The family moved to Dubuque in 1956, where Jim attended Holy Ghost grade school, and graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1966. He attended Loras College before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1969. He served during the Vietnam war as a Sargent E5, preparing fighter jets for combat missions. He was discharged in 1971 and allowed to return home to help support his family after the death of his father.

Jim married Teresa Naab on June 7, 1975, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Dubuque, IL. Together they had two children. They were later divorced.

Jim’s career included working at the Dubuque Packing Co., selling life insurance for New York Life, and production supervision for John Deere in Charlotte, NC., Mack Truck in Columbia, SC, International Truck in McKinney, TX, and Siemens Corp. in Lake Wylie, SC.  He retired in 2018 and shortly after moved back to Dubuque.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them participate in their various activities. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and he enjoyed traveling.  He was a member of Thunder Hills Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf with his special friend, Carol Riekena. He was also a member of the Dubuque American Legion, Post #6.

Surviving are his children, Jackie (Scott) Dunn, of Ankeny, IA, and Dr. James F. (Lara) Watt of Miramar Beach, FL; their mother Teresa Watt of Davenport, IA., his grandchildren, Alex and Katherine Dunn, and Ava and Jack Watt; sisters, Connie (Gerry) Vaassen, of Dubuque and Carolyn (Brad Wieber) Maiers, of Rosemount, MN, and brother, Gary (Barbara) Watt, of Cary, NC; and special friend Carol Riekena, of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, special friend, Deborah Dixon of Gastonia, NC., and long-time friend Richard Kramer of Dubuque.