Jeffrey Allen Watts, 50
Jeffrey Allen Watts, an educator to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all, was a beloved man. He tragically lost his life in a recent fire at his home, on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021.
Jeff was born May 11, 1971, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Margaret Lay and Donald Watts. Both of his parents have preceded him in death. Jeff grew up in Southern Missouri, and other parts of the South, along with his beloved younger brother, Shawn Lynn Lay. He had a passion for adventure and traveling, before he joined the U.S. Army, late in his teens. He served four years with the Army, before being drafted to join the U.S. Navy, as a special military instructor in the Brown Water Seabees. He served our country in the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, and various conflicts, attaining the title, chief petty officer. During this time, he was honored with the birth of two precious sons, Jacob Allen Watts, born May 9, 1993, and Chandler Larry Watts, born Sept. 2, 1995, in Mississippi. He later moved back to Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he had formerly spent his teenage years.
Jeff, after several years of being back in Southern Indiana, reacquainted himself with Miriam Smith (Watts), who happily married him June 6, 2009, combining their two little families into one, adopting Miriam’s son, Christian D. Watts, who was born Dec. 15, 1995. They had a beautiful Irish/Scottish wedding, where all the gentlemen wore kilts. During their marriage, Jeff attended Indiana University Southeast, as well as, Western Governors University in education. He was fascinated by numbers, their complexity and patterns. He firmly believed that the evidence of God could be found in nature and numbers.
Jeff moved to Northwest Montana in August of 2012, falling in love with the majestic mountains. He and his little family enjoyed the great outdoors, rafting, hiking, snow shoeing, and completing the annual Christmas tree hunt, in the Great Rocky Mountains. Jeff also had an incredible passion for kids, of all ages, especially, the troubled ones. He felt a deep affinity to them, due to his own childhood. He was also a CASA representative for a few years in the early 2000s, as well as an educator for more years at Deer Park School. He was loved. His powerful memory will be kept alive by all those who have cherished him. He would be deeply honored, too, to know that we all celebrate his eternal meeting with his precious Saviour, Jesus Christ. We will meet him again.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Miriam J. Watts (Smith), sons, Jacob Allen Watts, Chandler L. Watts (Kayla), and Christian D. Watts (Jasmyn). He also has five precious grandbabies, who meant the world to him, Samuel Young (6), Gracelyn Watts (5), Samuel Young (4), Liam Watts (3), and Silas Watts (5 months). He had one nephew, but many who called him uncle, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He will have two funeral services, one in Montana at the Columbia Mortuary, Thursday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. He will then be flown to Southern Indiana for a second service and interment. Details on the funeral in Southern Indiana are to be determined.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.