In Memoriam to Jay Dee Watson

June 8, 1960 - July 4, 2011

Son

Brother

Father

Friend

Eagle Scout

Merit Badge Counselor

Assistant Scoutmaster

Mentor

God called Jay Dee Watson, 51, of Malta, Ill., to his immortal home in the early morning hours on Monday, July 4, 2011. He died unexpectedly while doing what he loved: camping with a scout troop, immersing himself in the outdoors and teaching others his passion for Mother Nature. 

He was born June 8, 1960, in Fort Wayne, Ind., the son of Donald L. and Jaqueline L. (Spencer) Watson. Jay graduated from Kaneland High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army soon thereafter. He proudly served his county in the 475th Transportation Company in Panama. Upon his honorable discharge, Jay returned to civilian life and joined his father in the pizza business. 

In his younger years, Jay was a member of the Kishwaukee YMCA swimming and diving team where he set records in the 100 meter breast stroke and captured several medals on the diving board.

Jay's love for fishing took him annually to northern Minnesota to hook several largemouth bass, and it was second only to his passion for scouting, which began in 1972 when he became a Boy Scout. Over the years, the merit badges began to mount until there was only one more accomplishment yet to achieve. He was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in 1978. Scouting took him not only to various camps around the country, but around the world. Jay attended the 1977 National Scout Jamboree at Moraine State Park in Pennsylvania, several trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M., and the 1979 World Jamboree in Sweden. His love of scouting stayed with him and always was available to help young scouts achieve their goals.

Most recently, Jay was an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 4, at the First United Methodist Church, in DeKalb. Jay was also a Unit Commissioner for the Three Fires Council. The trails he blazed are now left for those to follow, each step marked with a memory, not only in this world, but in hearts everywhere.