James William “Sonny” Watson, Jr.
October 4, 1940 - November 28, 2025
It is with deep sadness and enduring love that we announce the passing of James William “Sonny” Watson, Jr., who left this world on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family. James earned his wings after a brief, yet tough battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Richmond, VA on October 4, 1940, he was a son of the late James Watson and Sarah (Mclean) Watson, Sr. James was the second oldest child out of 5 children. During his youth, James moved to Aberdeen, NC with his family. In 1958, he graduated from Berkley High School and furthered his education at Kittrell College in Kittrell, NC, graduating in 1960. Once he completed college, James moved to Philadelphia, PA to start new endeavors. His career path began with his first job being a donut maker for Donut Land. During his employment, James was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963. James served his country during the Vietnam War, in the 5th Calvery 1st Calvery Division, until 1965. After his service, James returned to Philadelphia and went back to his position at Donut Land. He married Sadie Best in 1967 and became the Nightshift Manager of Donut Land, until 1969. To broaden his horizons, he received a job offer with Westinghouse Electric Corporation Steam Division in Essington and stayed there until the site closed in 1981. Within that time, James and his beloved wife moved to New Castle, DE and continued to build their life filled with devotion, laughter and deep family roots. In 1982, an employment opportunity for Boeing Helicopters, in Ridley Park was offered, and James accepted. He was now the newest member of the Aircraft Paint Division. James worked for Boeing for over 20 years and received several awards of Appreciation and Achievement, until his retirement in 2005.
James leaves behind many treasured and cherished memories. Whether he was playing basketball, softball, roller skating, dancing or building a patio from the ground up, he approached everything with skill, determination, and pride. He was kind, gentle, and had understanding qualities that shaped every relationship he interacted with. A hard-working man through and through, James also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, listening to music, traveling, going on cruises, cooking clams and relaxing with a cold Yuengling beer.
While James passing leaves a deep ache in the hearts of those that knew him, there is comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved parents, and his four sisters, Willnette Carter, Patricia Utley, Jacqueline Wicks, and Anne Jones, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
James is survived by his devoted wife, Sadie Watson; his children, Shawn Best (Tonja), James William Watson III (Marianne) and Youlanda Watson; beloved grandchildren, Eric Best, Andrew Olsen, Alexis Crist (Trevor), Jordan Watson and Orion Watson; great-grandson, Theodore Crist; cherished companion, Judy Clarke; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear lifelong friends.
James will be remembered for his warm heart, steady hands, the legacy of love, and strength of family.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 8:30 am until 9:30 am on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 9:30 am. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
Any family members or friends who are unable to attend the service for James, may live stream the service by clicking here.
The family invites all who knew James to join them in celebrating a life well-lived and deeply loved at the VFW Post 475, 100 Veteran’s Drive Newark, DE 19711.
Shawn Best
Rest in peace
Shawn Hanshew
Sending our deepest condolences to Jimmy, Marianne, Youlanda and family. I have such fond memories of your dad — Mr. Watson was always so kind, warm, and welcoming. Wishing you strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time. His light and his love will live on in each of you.
With heartfelt sympathy and love,
Shawn and Thomas
Renata Callaghan
Sending my deepest condolences to the family especially my friend youlanda. Sending you big hugs and healing vibes your way. Xoxo
Bruce Dorsey Sr.
My deepest condolences to Jimmy, Marianne, Yolanda, Shawn and the entire Watson family.🙏🏿
Mr. Watson was such a good man whom I have such pleasant memories of.
May GOD bless the family with comfort, understanding and peace.🙏🏿🙏🏿❤️
Love,
Bruce, Lisa, Kysha, BJ (The Dorsey family)
Anne Roseboom
To the family of James Watson, Jr.:
The world has lost a good man, and you have lost a Husband, Father and Grandfather. This is a loss for all of us,
but the grief and sorrow that you feel are the deepest and most poignant and personal.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Anne Roseboom
Wanda Malloy Gentles
To my family, you have my deepest condolences. My uncle was a beautiful person and he will be truly missed 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
The Lassiter's family
Our condolences to the Watson and the Best family!! May God continue to strengthen you, and keep you in his care in this time of need. God bless you, our prayers are with you 🙏 ❤️
James Lassiter
Hello family, my prayers and condolences are with you, earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal, please remember God makes no mistakes, He knows our end from the beginning, keep looking up, because your help comes from the Lord 🙏🏾❤️
ANNA B GRAHAM
To my family , you have my deepest condolences. My uncle was a beautiful person I’m going to miss him .
Dorothy & Leonard Lopes
Words can not express the gratitude I have for your life. My condolences to my extended family I love you James & family, God bless you strengthen you.
Beverly McCollister
I am sending my condolences to the family of James Watson. I remember Uncle James with his quiet ways and his love for sports. Aunt Sadie I am only a phone call away. I send my love to the whole Watson family. God bless all of you during your time of bereavement. Love you family. 😍
Latonja Best
I loved that my father in law smiled each time I would call him dad and he would say ” Heeeey Babe”, he was kind, funny and loved to sit at our counter and eat! I will never forget the time he spent with me outside trying to untangle the christmas lights and the smile he kept on his face as we struggled through☺ The time spent with him was not long enough but I will cherish those times we did have. He loved his family and we love him… until we meet again Dad!