James E. "Beeper" Watson, Jr., 73, of Mingo Junction, OH, passed away Saturday July 9, 2022, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born October 8, 1948 in Steubenville, OH, a son of the late James E. and Audrey J. (Boyle) Watson, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John E. Watson; and his beloved dog, Tillie.

Beeper was a retired engineer for the Conrail/Norfolk Southern Railroad. He served his country in the U.S. Army in the 4th Infantry Division as a Specialist 5 during the Vietnam War from 1967-1969, where he received an Army Commendation Medal, awarded for an act of heroism. He enjoyed watching Pirates Baseball; feeding the birds and wildlife; and telling jokes, sometimes inappropriate.

Surviving are a daughter, Kelly Watson and her husband Ryan Cole of Nashville, TN; a son, James B. Watson and his companion Brittany Paterniti of Cranberry Twp., PA; a sister, Judith (Domenick "Noonie") Chappano of Mingo Junction, OH; two nieces, Monica (Tom) Lheureau and Amber Watson; three nephews, Ryan Chappano, Eric (Mira) Chappano, and Darin Chappano; and five great-nieces and nephews, Luca, Giovanni, Arianna, Nikola and Mia.

Friends will be received at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 101 Longview Ave., Mingo Junction on Monday from 4-7 p.m. and also on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Sam Davis, officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Mingo Junction, OH, with Military Honors by the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Beeper's memory to Jefferson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 233, Steubenville, OH 43952 or https://jeffersoncountyhumanesociety.net

Offer condolences online at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.

Legacy PIN: DKEWECU8