Mr. James “Jimmy” Abernathy Watt Jr., 71, of Statesville, N.C., died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at his home.

Jimmy was born in Iredell County on July 14, 1949, and was the son of the late James A. Watt Sr. and Betty Moose Watt. He was a graduate of Iredell County Schools.

Jimmy worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad for 25 years and he also served his country for 24 years with the U.S. Army Reserves.

Jimmy was married to the love of his life, Lorene Skipper Watt, for 27 years. He could be considered a “Mr. Fixit.” He never let a motor of any size scare him. He could fix anything from a weed-eater to a car engine. He simply loved to tinker. In his latter years, he took up fishing and enjoyed doing so with his wife Lorene and his K-9 companion “Reno.”

In Lorene’s own words: “I love you Jimmy and I will miss you so much.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Donnie Watt, and one sister, Brenda Branch.

In addition to his wife Lorene, Jimmy is survived by his daughter, Penny St. John (Brian), along with two granddaughters, Amber and Ashlie St. John. He is also survived by a brother, Gary Watt; and three sisters, Teresa Dement (Clift), Jodie Grose, and Sylvia Speaks; and a sister-in-law, Sally Sigmon.

At the request of the family and for respect for Jimmy, all services will be private. For those who would like to pay their respects, there will be a book at Nicholson Funeral Home and you can visit www.nicholsonfunerals.com to leave condolences on his obituary link.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Jimmy Watt Jr.