James Frederick Watts

James Frederick Watts, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, age 61, of Weirton, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at WVU-WMC, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Born on April 4, 1964, in Steubenville, James was a son of Conrad and Joyce Bland Watts.

James graduated from Brooke High School in 1982 and later earned his bachelor’s degree from West Liberty University in 1987. He dedicated 34 years of his life to serving as a meter reader and storekeeper for Mon Power, where he was recognized for his exceptional dedication to his work.

On September 24, 1994, James married the love of his life, Barbara Ellen Wheat. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and mutual support. James was a dedicated father who cherished coaching his sons in baseball during their developmental and high school years, sharing his passion for the game with them.

As a faithful member of Weirton First Church of the Nazarene, James found joy in volunteering his electrical talents to the church. He loved his church deeply and was always eager to lend a helping hand.

An avid history buff, James had an ongoing curiosity about the past. Family trips were often filled with visits to historical sites, where his extensive knowledge meant they needed no tour guide. He especially cherished travels to the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and enjoyed touring the Louisville Slugger Plant.

In his spare time, James indulged in building models of tanks representing various wars, working around the house, and was passionate about woodworking, often upgrading his home with various projects.
James was preceded in death by his mother.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Watts, his father, Conrad Watts, and step-mother Ruth Watts, sons Joshua Callahan and Ryan Watts, grandchildren Daisy, Toby, and Jameson Callahan, and brother Michael Watts., sisters in law Christine (Paul) Just, Margaret (Santiago) Delgado, Elizabeth (Andrew) McIntire, and Virginia Gianni.

Friends will be received on Saturday, August 23, from 11:00 am until the time of his Noon Memorial Service at Weirton First Church of the Nazarene, 475 Colliers Way, Weirton, WV 26062.

Pastors Bennett Briles and Larry Barkley will co-officiate.

Inurnment will take place immediately following James’ service in Saint Paul’s Cemetery.

James’ request for cremation will be honored.

He will be cremated at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home Crematory, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. 26062.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James’ honor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Share online condolences at www.grecohertnick.com.