James Robert Watts Ph.D.

Mr. James Robert Watts Ph.D.

Aiken, SC-James Robert Watts, Ph.D., of Aiken, SC, age 88, passed away August 5, 2024 at Aiken Regional Medical Center. Known for his easygoing and kind personality, he was cherished by all who knew him. James had a passion for antique cars, motorcycle riding, and woodworking projects. He is survived by his son Jay Watts (Sherrie) of Edisto Beach, SC, daughter Dr. Kathy Wander (Steven) of Gig Harbor, WA, four grandchildren: Brandi (Stuart) Johnson of Aiken, Emma Watts of North Augusta, SC, Allison Watts (Matthew) Shealy of Greenwood, SC, and Victoria Watts of Aiken; two great-granddaughters, Alexandria and Charlotte Johnson of Aiken; and one great-grandson, Damon Watts. He is also survived by his former wife, Nancy Baker Watts of Hilton Head. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Watts and Venus Watts Rollins of Spring Creek, TN, and former wives, Edna Sharp Watts and Jennifer McIver Watts. Born and raised in the Spring Creek community near Jackson, TN, Dr. Watts earned a B.S. from Union University and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. His graduate studies were supported by a Special Fellowship in Radiological Physics and an Advanced Fellowship in Health Physics. He dedicated 26 years to Health Protection and retired from WSRC in 1991. He also worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he expanded and operated the Whole Body Counter Laboratory until 2000. The family will honor James's life with a drop-in visitation at Trinity on Laurens Lutheran Home, 213 Laurens St NW on Wednesday, August 21, from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Golden Harvest Food Bank, Children’s Place, or your charity of choice. COLE FUNERAL HOME 1544 UNIVERSITY PKWY (118 BYPASS) AIKEN, SC 29801 803-648-7175. Please sign the online registry at www.colefuneralhomeinc.net.