James Daryl Watson

James "Jim” Daryl Watson was born on June 19, 1973 to Glen and Terri (Reither) Watson in Brighton, Colorado. Growing up in a rural setting, Jim embraced a strong work ethic and was fortunate to have a close relationship with his grandparents and older sister Sandy. He participated in 4-H raising pygmy goats and earned several awards over the years. From an early age, his inquisitive nature and passion for learning how things worked, he would disassemble radios, VCR’s or any other electronics he could get his hands on. An excellent student, he attended both Brighton and Ponderosa High Schools, graduating from Ponderosa in 1991. It was during his teenage years he began his lifelong love of working on cars and spent endless hours under many a car or truck hood but mostly for other people. Jim was always willing to help a friend, neighbor or family with anything they needed, it was one of his most prominent qualities. After his parents divorced, Jim gained a step-family when Terri married Don Garrison. When Glen married Bev Peterson and they had children, he became a big brother to Jason and Heather Watson. Even with the age difference, Jim loved spending time with his siblings. Jim joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in California, Tennessee and served a year on the island of Okinawa after he graduated high school. Jim met his future wife Sarah while stationed in Millington, Tennessee during aviation electronics school in 1992 and they were married in 1994. It was in the military that Jim excelled in electronics and started college classes, eventually earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Regis University after fulfilling his enlistment and returning home to Colorado. Being home meant spending quality family time with family and enjoying the beautiful Colorado outdoors hunting, camping and fishing. Jim and Sarah welcomed sons Trent in 2001 and Troy in 2004. Becoming a dad was Jim’s greatest joy but also bittersweet after having lost his father in 1998. Raising the boys was Jim’s focus and the family spent almost every weekend camping and four-wheeling. In 2011, Jim started his position as a Firmware Engineer at Hach and the family moved up next to Carter Lake. Jim shifted his recreation focus to riding his Denver Broncos golf cart and boating. Whether pulling tubers behind the ski boat, grilling on the pontoon or floating at the beach, Jim was at home on the lake. Jim was a very active father during Trent and Troy’s school years, attending every orchestra, band concert or football game they both played in and hauled around countless coolers to support the team. He was the dad that looked forward to the science fair every year and was always excited to tinker in the garage or build projects with the boys. After Jim and Sarah’s marriage ended, Jim found love with Samantha Walker and they were married in 2021. Jim welcomed Samantha’s children Weston and Bella into his life and was excited to spend weekends at bull riding competitions and passed along his legendary frying techniques to Bella. Jim and Samantha shared a love of country music, antiques and the rodeo. Jim’s big heart, infectious smile and contagious laugh will be dearly missed by all that knew him. A celebration of his life is scheduled for December 22, 2021, at 11a.m. at Viegut Funeral Home in Loveland. A potluck reception will follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers or donations, please take time to spend with loved ones and make a memory.