James Watson

James "Mike" Watson, age 65 of Dayton, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017. He was born July 10, 1951 in Washington Court House, Ohio to the late Leo and Pauline Watson.

Mike, known as "Mighty Mouse" dedicated over 30 years to his community as a firefighter and paramedic. He retired from the Dayton Fire Department in 2003. Prior to Dayton, he volunteered at the West Milton Fire Department and later worked at the Springfield Air Base Fire Department and Fairborn Fire Department. He served his country in the Army National Guard. He was an ASE Certified Master Tech who loved to share his knowledge with the students at Sinclair Community College. Mike was a classic car collector and loved turning wrenches. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing drums on the local music scene. Mike was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Mike will be missed by Debbie, his wife of 23 years and loving companion of 33 years; children, Jennifer (Eric) Gustavus and John (Lynn) Lucas; grandchildren, Abigail Jones and Joseph Gustavus; his loving pet companions, Rosie and Rudy and his brothers and sisters at the Dayton Fire Department.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Lela Estes.

Family will receive friends Saturday, July 1, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45424. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mike's memory to the Hospice of Dayton. Please visit www.newcomerdayton.com to share a memory in the family guest book.