John W. Watts, Jr.

Age 68 of Morris, Illinois, died Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Born March 22, 1956 in Clinton, Illinois, John William is the son of Dolores (Baughman) Watts-Boswell and the late John Watts, Sr. He was raised and educated in Coal City, graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1974, and continued his education at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri where he achieved a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design.

John loved fashion design and interior decorating, and he especially enjoyed making clothing for his family and friends. He took great pleasure in traveling, with Michigan and Florida being two of his favorite destinations. John developed a passion for sailing, so anywhere near water was a popular destination for him. In addition to traveling, he was an excellent cook and planting and caring for flowers was one of his favorite pastimes.

Above all else was John’s love of family. He treasured time spent in the company of those whom he loved, particularly his grandchildren and his great nieces and nephew. John had the gift to make others laugh, and in turn enjoyed laughing himself. There wasn’t a bad thing anyone could ever say about him, and he will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his mother, Dolores Watts-Boswell of Morris; one son, Stefan (Emily) Dumas of Missouri; three grandchildren: Emry, Elias, and Elena Dumas; one sister, Margaret “Peg” (William) Spear of Morris; and several nieces and nephews, and their children.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Watts, Sr., his brother, David Watts, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life at the Goose Lake Club, 3935 Goose Lake Road, in Morris on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The family asks that no flowers be sent, but rather come with great memories to share of John.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share John’s memorial page via social media.

Memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris (815) 942-2500.