John Emery Watts

John Emery Watts passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023. He was affectionately known as “Papa,” “Papa Watts,” “Grandpa Owie,” and “Dad” by his family, “The Bull” by the hospital staff, and “Big John” by others.

Born July 21, 1942 to Arthur and Thelma Inez Watts, John lived his young life in Indianapolis, Indiana with his two siblings, Kenneth and Larry, along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends nearby. A few years after he graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1960, John enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF). His military career as a Supply Logistics manager spanned 23 years, sending him to Texas, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, New Mexico, and Florida.

John met and married Midori in Tokyo, Japan in 1973. They moved to Clovis, New Mexico and had their daughter, Sylvia. Soon after, they relocated to Homestead, Florida where they settled down and had their other two children, Candace and Andrew. After retiring from the USAF, John worked at South Dade Electrical Supply until his final retirement in 2002.

John respected all sports but had a love and passion for baseball/softball. He played baseball in high school and intramural softball throughout his military career. Eventually, he transitioned from player to umpire and officiated various softball leagues throughout Miami-Dade County (in Florida) for 33 years.

To outsiders, John appeared quiet and a bit intimidating as he had a “resting angry face” (Andrew and Sylvia inherited his resting angry face), but to all that truly knew him, John was never angry, cranky maybe, but not angry. John was strong-willed and stubborn but had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was witty, with endless hilarious stories and an infectious laugh.

Outside of work or softball, John loved being home watching television. The TV was on 24/7 and connected to the premium cable package with all the streaming services. He also loved Snickers candy bars and had them within arm’s reach. John always had his Casio watch. In the rare times it wasn’t on him, he was very persistent in locating it. If he couldn’t find it for some reason, he would accuse anyone and everyone of stealing his watch (“They done stole my watch”).

John battled serious health issues during the last nine years of his life. He amazed doctors and pulled through many near-death situations earning the nickname “The Bull”. His stubbornness and strength allowed him to live (at home) until his passing.

John is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Midori, his wife of 50 years. John is also survived by his brothers, Kenneth and Larry, cousins, nieces, and nephews. His legacy lives on through his children Sylvia, Candace, Andrew (Jessica), grandchildren, Kyla, Ivan, Mara, Serenity, Andrew Jr., baby Watts (due in Nov 2023) and their friends who grew up with Papa Watts.

In typical John fashion, a small celebration of life service will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family is remembering John and his 30+ years of officiating softball with a donation to Miami-Dade County Parks. If you are so moved, you can also contribute at https://everloved.com/life-of/john-watts/

The family would like to thank the hospital staff at Jackson South Medical Center, Fresenius Kidney Care Naranja, and Bruce Carter (Miami) VA Medical Center for their efforts and dedication towards John’s care. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for John and the Watts Family!