JAMES A. WATSON
1936-2025

The “Sir” designation in royalty is awarded to men who have been given knighthood by the monarch. It can be given for several reasons: outstanding achievements, public service, charitable work, etc. Here in Peoria, we have had such a man achieve this knighthood by checking all of those boxes.

Sir James A. Watson was born April 6, 1936 and transitioned to his throne on April 20 of this year. In his 89 years, he has been nothing short of royalty. He was known to many in and out of Peoria for his many feats, but not more renowned than in his home castle of Manual High School in the village of South Peoria.

Now, South Peoria has had many royal families. Many tied to their accomplishments on the court of basketball, field of football, or diamond of baseball. We have had the Nathans, the Booths, the McClains, the Tubbs’, etc. But in any kingdom with royalty, there has to be a knight to tie it all together. That was the legend of Sir Watson.

Sir Watson was a proud graduate of Manual Training High in 1955. He was always a huge sports enthusiast, but no sports program ever compared to his love and dedication for Manual. No matter his sickness or health, he was always there, standing guard for Manual sports. He coached JFL football and youth basketball. He was scorekeeper for Manual sports, official scorekeeper for the IHSA tournament, statistician for Bradley University basketball and supported many local athletic programs for the youth across all Peoria. He was a true servant of the people. Sir Watson was so renowned in his work at Manual, that he was bestowed a specific spot in the gym for only him. When he would arrive, there would be a sign that read “Reserved for SIR Watson!” Everyone knew near and far to keep that area clear.

No matter his accolades, Sir Watson’s biggest strength was his heart. He molded many athletes and South Peoria Villagers to become better. Not just in sport, but in deed. He was always there at every big Manual sporting event, cheering them on and helping as a manager. You can look back and see whenever Manual won big, Sir Watson was right there, standing guard. He has helped many of Manual’s winning programs hoist a trophy. Even as recently as a month ago before his passing, Sir Watson was there, standing watch, helping to hold up a state trophy for his beloved Manual Rams basketball.

Sir Watson loved his Kingdom. As evident by the many lives he touched in service. As a South Peorian myself, I was graced many times by his kindness. I also never remember him ever asking anything of anyone for it. He just was a servant leader in a time where we have seemed to run short on them. The genuine kind. He showed us that you don’t have to be in your face with big acts of service, but it is the sheer volume, consistency, and love you put into them. I am so glad that he was able to receive his flowers before his transition. He was able to accept his knighthood and wear his title of Sir proudly.

I am truly blessed to have lived in the time of Sir James A. Watson. I can only hope that there will ever be another knight with the pedigree of Sir Watson. The Village of South Peoria is all the better for your service.

— Demario Boone is Director of School Safety Peoria Public Schools