Mr. James Erskine Watts Jr.

FORT MEADE - Mr. James Erskine Watts, Jr., 31, passed away Friday, Aug. 19, 2016. James was born Nov. 10, 1984 in Bartow, FL, and was a lifelong resident of Fort Meade. He was the shop manager for Value Imports Plus in Lakeland, and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Meade. James was a 2003 graduate of Bartow High School and then went on to graduate from University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was an advocate of auto racing and an avid political and martial arts enthusiast, along with being a 2nd Degree Black Belt Wado Ryu under the direction of Sensie Eddie Parker. James was a very personable man, and he loved to spend time with his amazing friends and helping others in any way possible.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Wayne Watson; paternal grandmother, Barbara P. Watts; and uncle, Stuart Watson.

James is survived by his loving parents, Jim and Lydia Watts; maternal grandmother, Mary Lou Watson; paternal grandfather, Bill Watts, all of Fort Meade, FL; uncle and aunt, Bill and Michelle Watts, Odessa, FL; and cousin Brian Watts, Orlando, FL.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Wed., Aug. 24, 2016 at Hancock Funeral Home, 945 E. Broadway, Fort Meade. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Thurs., Aug. 25, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church, 135 E. Broadway, Fort Meade with Rev. Marion Sortore officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Meade.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the First United Methodist Church of Fort Meade.

Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL 863-285-8171