Jay Russell Watson

Jay Russell Watson, 69, passed away at his home in Greenwood, Indiana on April 15, 2025. Born on February 10, 1956, he was the second, or maybe third, oldest child of David Royston and Patricia Kay (Bennett) Watson; born a twin, his brother Jack Brian survived only a few days. Jay grew up on the family farm with his other four brothers, providing free labor, training and showing horses, and developing a proper Hoosier passion for basketball. Despite being only 5’6” tall, his perfectionism pushed him to excel on the hardwood during his time at Monrovia High School.

While there, he met and fell in love with his once wife and forever friend, Rori Layne (Robb) Watson. They soon married and welcomed their son Brian Anthony and, three years later, daughter Angela Nicol. Over forty years of marriage and another decade of loving friendship, they built a home—literally with their own hands—for their family and a life grounded in love, duty, curiosity, and hard work. Jay also built an extraordinary career only possible for a man with his unique combination of diligence, intelligence, and decency. Spending nearly all of his forty-year career with F.A. Wilhelm Construction, he began as an apprentice carpenter, worked many years climbing the ranks, and ultimately rose to Vice President of Operations and partner, where he remained until he retired in 2019.

Retirement allowed him to enjoy one of his greatest pleasures: being Papaw, a role he embraced with enthusiasm. Though it took 18 months for the ice to thaw, he and his eldest grandson Jaxen Hunter were best buddies until the day he passed. He looked forward to watching all four of his grandchildren grow into adults and reveled in the time he had with them. He built and rebuilt endless wooden train tracks, shared his love of boating with them, and bought every gadget he thought might bring them a moment’s joy. He will be missed in unquantifiable ways by his children Brian Watson (Sharrie) and Angela Sanchez (Jesse); grandchildren Jaxen Hunter Watson, Abigail Reese Watson, David Alberto Sanchez, and Jude Russell Sanchez; eternal friend Rori Watson; surviving brothers Roy Watson and Neal Watson (Melissa); and so many nieces, nephews, and other family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Jack, James, and Ted.

In honoring Jay’s wishes, the family will not hold a funeral. In lieu of flowers, we ask that those wishing to make a gesture in honor of Jay instead donate to a charity dear to your heart; Rosie’s Southside Animal Shelter was close to his.