James S. Watts was born Dec. 14, 1927, to James Bennett Watts and Mary Agnes (Peller) Watts, in Meridian, Miss. The family moved to Clatskanie, Ore. during WWII to join his father, stationed there with the U.S. Navy, arriving in 1944.

Jim graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1945 and joined the U.S. Navy that same year, serving until 1947. In 1955 he moved to South Bend, Wash., where he worked as an accountant for Coast Oyster for over 30 years.

Jim loved the outdoors, camping, hiking and climbing mountains. A member of the Olympia Branch of the Seattle Mountaineers, he was proud of earning their esteemed Six-Majors pin for having summitted the six highest and most difficult mountains in the State of Washington.

After retiring from Coast Oyster, Jim started his own business, Watts-A-Llama Treks, giving guided treks with llamas into the Olympia National Park.Jim also loved theater. He was a founding member of the Willapa Players, starting in 1956, and performing in his last play at the age of 86 and directing his last play at 87. Jim also performed at Driftwood Theater in Aberdeen and with the Grayland Players.

Jim married Dora Miller in 1950; they later divorced. In 1976 he married LaRayne (Weed) Isaksen, who survives him at the family home in Raymond, Wash. He is survived by seven children son Stephen F. Watts (Rayetta Kenworthy) of Bay Center, son Anthony Leroy Watts of Lakewood, daughter Margaret (Peggy) Dotson (Gene) of Vancouver, and daughter Angela Penland (Shawn) of Auburn, step-son Jeff Isaksen of Bay Center, step-daughter Michele Isaksen of Kettle Falls, and step-son Steven R. Isaksen of Olympia. He is also survived by two brothers John Watts (Imogene) of Washougal and Henry Watts (Arlene) of Winslow, Ariz., and a sister Mary K. Green (Dick) of South Bend. He had eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Friday, Aug. 4, at noon at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Raymond, followed by inurnment at the Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo. All are welcomed to return to the church after services for a luncheon. Cremation arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond. You may visit www.StollersMortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.