Sir James Watson, father of two, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind his family and the community he deeply impacted.
Sir James Watson was a beloved figure in Peoria Manual High School sports for his dedication to the athletic programs.
He was known for his deep dedication to coaching, advising, and supporting his teams, particularly basketball and football.
Watson was affectionately called “Sir James,” a nickname he gave himself in the 1970s when CB radios were popular. Previously, he called himself “The White Knight” and later adopted the name Sir James Watson.
Although a beautiful soul may have departed physically, his impact will continue to live on through the legacy he leaves behind. Prayers to the Watson family and Peoria Manual family. Rest in peace Sir James Watson aka Mr. Peoria Manual 🧡🖤🐏 pic.twitter.com/IjA2awVCXm
— Peoria Manual High School Boys Basketball (@PeoriaManual) April 21, 2025
Tragically, Sir James passed away at the age of 89 on Sunday night, leaving behind his family and the South Peoria community.
While the cause of his demise is not officially disclosed, as per his children, he was battling kidney disease previously.
Watson wasn’t just a coach or an official; he was a mentor, a supporter, and a constant presence in the community.
Known for his ability to connect with athletes and coaches alike, he offered guidance and support to everyone.
Players respected him not just for his knowledge of the game but for his genuine care for their success, both on and off the court.
Sir James Watson’s Son, Brian, Followed In His Father’s Footsteps In Sports!
While Sir James Watson never revealed his wife, he was a proud father of two children.
His son, Brian, lived in North Dakota and became a coach, and his daughter, Anita Brown, lived in Peoria.
He affectionately called Anita “Button,” though she wasn’t too fond of the nickname.
Despite his playful remark about Brian choosing coaching as a career, Brian led his team to the state tournament.
Brian once described his father as someone who was deeply connected to sports, saying:
He was constantly involved in sports,As a kid, wherever we went we’d run into someone who knew him. He became connected to so many people and used those connections to promote Manual High School and the south side community.
Moreover, Sir James also had 12 grandchildren, including step-grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. However, details about his wife were not disclosed.
Head Coach Marvin And Watson’s Connection Was More Than Just A Coach-Athlete Relationship!
Marvin Jordan, the head coach of Manual High School’s boys basketball team, shared a deep bond with Sir James Watson.
Despite his condition, Sir James always brought Jordan water before every game, whether home or away.
Sir James Watson will be missed. Just a great man, ambassador for Peoria & Manual. pic.twitter.com/CfXY4MjyXJ
— Adam Duvall (@AdamDuvall) April 22, 2025
I’d tell him ‘I need you there, and I need my waters.’ And he’d show up, water in hand. I get chills explaining it right now. When I first got the news he wasn’t doing well, I was heartbroken our streak would be coming to an end.
When Watson’s health declined, Jordan was heartbroken, knowing their streak of shared moments was coming to an end.
Jordan deeply felt Watson’s passing, as he knew he had lost not just a mentor but a steadfast supporter.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sir James Watson‘s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame awarded Walton the 2000 Neve Harms Award for his excellent service.
- Manual High School in 1955 graduate, he first worked as a chef, but after the restaurant he worked for in Kankakee went bankrupt.
- Later, he transitioned to a long career with the State of Illinois’ Department of Labor, where he worked for 30 years.
