John Wilbur “Jack” Watson passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025. He was born on September 15, 1929, in DeKalb, Illinois to Wilbur and Harriet (Ruffner) Watson. In 1951, he married Marcia M. Jameson at the Trinity Lutheran Church in DeKalb.

Jack was a lifetime farmer in Afton Township. He started farming in 1947 as a senior in high school. He was a fourth generation farmer. His love for farming was evident in his success. Jack was involved with farming until his passing.

Jack was a graduate of DeKalb High School in 1948. During his high school years, he mowed the runway at the DeKalb Airport when it was located on Crego Road. Jack traded mowing the runway for flying lessons and after 1hr and 20 minutes of dual instruction, he soloed in 1946, while still in high school. Jack received his pilot’s license and turned his hobby into one of his biggest passions, flying.  He had a continued interest in flying throughout his life as the original air strip on the Watson Farm is still active.

Jack loved the community he lived in and there was nothing more important to him than his family and always lending a hand and helping others. Whether it was a friend or neighbor, he was always there for them. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, and was also a member of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau.

He is survived by his loving family, his son, John (Dodi Georges); daughters, Nancy (David) Pesavento and Gayle (Mike) Effinger; grandchildren Johnny Watson, Margaret (Doug) Boudreaux, Jacob Watson, and great granddaughter, Norah Watson, along with a niece and several nephews. He is also survived by Joanna Kimber, which is his “English Daughter” from Haverhill, England.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Marcia, his brother, Reider Watson, sister-in-law, Wilma (Sanderson) Watson, and sister, Elizabeth Williams. He was also preceded in death by his longtime friend and companion Merilyn Scholl.

The Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. Interment  will follow at Afton Cemetery, in DeKalb. 

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.