James Lowell Watts

Mr. James Lowell Watts, age 86 of Rockwood, passed away on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025. He was born on August 19th, 1939, in Rockwood, to James T. Watts and Lenice S. Watts. James was married to Vickie Watts for 60 years before she passed in 2020. James had one child, James L. Watts Jr, and 2 grandchildren: Ashleigh Sexton (Jordan) and Abbie Lou Watts. He also had one great grandchild, Jayden Sexton, and special friend, Jane Long.

James was a 1958 graduate of Rockwood High School. He worked for the Tennessee Regularity Authority as a truck safety inspector/consumer specialist. He was also an independent life insurance agent.

James served on the Rockwood City Council for 8 years (1971-1979),then again for another 4 years (2003-2007). James was elected Rockwood city mayor in 2009 and served a 5 year term through 2014. He also served on several boards and committees including Rockwood Water, Gas, and Sewer Board, Rockwood Electric Utility Board, Rockwood Parks and Recreation Board, Rockwood Golf Board, Rockwood Planning Commission, Mid-East Community Agency, Oak Grove Cemetery Board, and the Roane County Election Commission. He was also a member of the Rockwood Masonic Lodge #403 F&AM, Shriners, Rockwood Civitan Club, and he and his late wife always played a large roll in helping with Dennis Ferguson's annual fishing rodeo. James volunteered in countless other ways for the county and the city that he loved dearly.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 12th, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm ET at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Masonic Service and funeral service will follow at 8:00 pm ET with Bro. Tom Kilby officiating. Family and friends will meet in the Oak Grove Cemetery on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, at 1:00 pm for a committal service. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. James Lowell Watts.