Obituary of John M. Watson

John "Jack" Morris Watson, 78, of Point Pleasant Beach, passed away at home on February 28, 2011. Born in Elizabeth, NJ to Lawrence and Grace Rowan Watson, he lived in Point Pleasant Beach most of his life. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marjorie Markert Watson, 2 daughters, Jill Watson and Gail Fiorentino, a son-in-law, Benj Fiorentino and four grandchildren, Christian, Kelsey, Robin and Riley. Upon graduation from Point Pleasant Beach High School, he entered Monmouth Junior College, where he earned his A.A. in Business. He was then drafted into the U. S. Army and served for 2 years. Following his service in the military, he returned to Monmouth College where he attended a 4-year program and received his B.S in Business. He was also a full-time police officer for Point Pleasant, while earning his degree. After graduation, he took a job as a claims adjuster with New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company ("NJM"). After leaving NJM, Jack pursued his career in education. He began teaching in the Business Department of Point Pleasant High School. After further education, he became a guidance counselor in the high school and ultimately the Vice Principal of Nellie Bennett School, until he retired in 1991. One of the highlights of Jack's career in education was the 20 years that he served as the Advisor to the Key Club. Jack's Key Club's contributions to the community were many, including helping Jack Glass set up the recycling center, installing cardiac exercise stations in Campbell Park, helping with field day in the elementary schools, and organizing several events for worthy causes, such as MS, cancer, and others. During Jack's tenure as Key Club Advisor, he was proud of his members, who were regularly elected to statewide offices, including Lt. Governors and the Governor of the New Jersey District. Past Key Club members have gone on to serve in leadership positions in their careers, as well as volunteer service in government, education, banking, business and elected offices in the community, state and nation. Jack was honored with the establishment of a scholarship in his name called the Jack Watson-Key Club Public Service Endowment. He was also inducted into the Point Pleasant Foundation Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a member of the Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church and served as a Trustee. He was a charter member of Point Pleasant Fire Co. #2, a member of Point Pleasant First Aid Squad, a Point Pleasant Beach Councilman, a member of Durand Lodge #179, F. & A.M. and a past patron of Wall Chapter #143 OES. He was also an affiliate member of Westminster by the Sea Presbyterian Church, Daytona Beach Shores, FL when spending winters in Port Orange. Jack was a loving husband and a wonderful father and grandfather who adored and was proud of his daughters and grandchildren. After retiring, Jack continued to enjoy cars, the beach, history, doing outside chores, traveling, and being with friends and family, while still living with the many special memories of past experiences and involvement in the community. A memorial service will be held at the Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Bay and Forman Avenues, Point Pleasant Beach on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. Memorial donations may be made to the Jack Watson-Key Club Public Service Endowment and sent to the Point Pleasant Board of Education Scholarship Account, Panther Path, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742. Pable Evertz Funeral Home, Point Pleasant is in charge of arrangements.