Julius P. Watts, Jr. Sunrise: April 1, 1936 Sunset: August 27, 2018 Julius “JP” Watts, Jr. was born to the union of Julius P. Watts, Sr. and Susie D. Jordan of Mound Bayou, Mississippi on April 1, 1936. JP; the eldest of thirteen, grew up leading the way for his siblings. He attended Grambling University but left before graduation to join the United States Army.
After serving his country, and upon receiving an honorable discharge, JP returned to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. While attending Grambling, he played football and was coached by legendary Coach Eddie G. Robinson who fueled his love for the sport. JP played a season of professional football and continued to coach his favorite team from wherever he watched a game.
After graduating from Grambling, JP moved to Chicago to teach physical education and later took a job with the federal government in contract compliance. JP accepted Christ at an early age and joined DuPage AME Church in 1999 where he served faithfully as a musician, and was involved with The Brotherhood Men’s Ministry for a few years. JP and Deborah; the love of his life, married in 2003 and lived in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Traveling with Deborah was one of his greatest joys. Earlier unions produced two sons; Keith and Adam. JP was proud of his sons and their accomplishments.
Taeler; Deborah’s daughter, became the daughter he proudly embraced. JP had a talent for engaging others in conversation and usually had a smile on his face; for smiling was a state of being with him. JP could also speak several languages and he was a gifted artist whose works hung on the walls of his home, as well as several downtown offices.
JP enjoyed playing tennis and was a pretty good doubles player for years. He also enjoyed playing backgammon and walking the beaches of Florida with his dear wife Deborah. JP loved children and after retirement, enjoyed work as a substitute teacher.
He was committed to those he taught and was determined to “help shape young minds”. He always let students know that they were “under constant academic surveillance” and that they should “stay in their lane”. JP never met a stranger.
He enjoyed talking with others and sharing traveling information. A big smile on his face was his countenance and he enjoyed joking around. JP was kind and neighborly; everyone in the neighborhood was “his neighbor” down the street.
His parents and sister; Alethea Watts, preceded him in death. JP’s life and memories will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Deborah, sons Keith (Erin) Watts, Adam (Lindsay) Watts, “daughter,” Taeler Hammond (Joseph). He is also survived by his step-mother; Octavia Watts of Lansing, MI.
JP is survived by his siblings; Peggy Wilburn of Chicago, IL, CharlesEtta Smith of Bastrop, LA, Brenda Arrington of Keswick, VA, Sandi Watts of Lansing, MI, Stephen Watts (Lynn) of Ypsilanti, MI, Reginald Watts (Kim) of West Bloomfield, MI, Angela Fuqua (Thoni) of Lansing, MI, Cecilia Hutson of Detroit, MI, William Watts (Landria) of Sterling Heights, MI, Christina Myles (Nate) of Yspsilanti, MI, grandchildren; Taylor, Julian, Gianna and Riley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. JP’s generous spirit will continue to warm the hearts and be remembered by the many upon which he “smiled”. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Julius Watts, please visit our Tribute Store.
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