Watson Napoleon James, Jr., 60, of Waterloo, Iowa, died at home Thursday, August 14, 2014. He was born January 2, 1954, in the Georgeville Community near Goodman, Mississippi. He is the son of Nadine and Watson James, Sr.

Watson attended school at Durant Attendance Center where he was a talented basketball player graduating in 1973. He went on to attend Holmes Community College in Goodman for a short time and later moved to Waterloo, Iowa, in 1975.

After moving to Waterloo, Watson worked various jobs always demonstrating his strong work ethic and belief of “working for a living.” Watson was a passionate volunteer in the community for Special Olympics, at Country View Nursing Home, and he often spoke on mental health issues to promote tolerance and understanding.

Watson was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church often volunteering for different duties and jobs around the church. His spiritual essence and philosophy followed the scripture Deuteronomy 15:11 “I command you, to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land.” Watson was always helping others, lending a hand and giving to those in need.

Watson is survived by his son, LaJashiene T. Williams; his grandson LaJashiene T. Williams, Jr.; granddaughters: Tajanik, Tajera and Sahara Williams, all of Waterloo; a special companion of 14 years, Diane Steimel; his stepmother Patricia Werning; his foster brother, Dean Lockard; his brother, Johnny Mitchell Smith; special cousins, Lena M. Flowers of Durant, Mississippi and James W. Hodges of Indianapolis, Indiana; lifelong friends and classmates, Roy Harrington and Rufus Sample; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jeffery Horton.