Jonathan C Watts

Deacon Jonathan Cornell Watts Sr., was a faithful servant of God, a devoted family man and gifted minstrel who moved to his heavenly home on March 28, 2016. He was born September 17, 1958 to the late Henry and Geraldine Watts, and as a child was called John. As he became a teenager he was known as Cornbread and later his church family named him BBJ (Big Bad John). Born into a large family he was one of nine siblings. He attended Lake Clifton High School and loved to wrestle, play lacrosse and basketball. In 1976 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp reserve and in 1983 switched from reserve to active duty, receiving an Honorable Discharge from active duty in 1987. While on active duty he was stationed in the sunny locations of California and Hawaii. John met Michele Staton in December of 1981 and they were married on September 10, 1983. Shelly, as he lovingly called her, was there with him till the end. Their union blessed them with two children; Tiffany Denise Staton and Jonathan Cornell Watts Jr. At the end of his military service, he returned to Baltimore and worked for a season at UPS. He left UPS and in 1989 started working at Kernan Hospital as a floor technician where he worked for 26 years. In 2003 he started a second job at Stella Maris. John’s Christian foundation was laid at home and at Maryland Church of God in Christ. His Christian foundation was also built on a strong musical background of psalmists and musicians, with his father gifted to play 5 instruments. So, it was natural that in 2002 when he joined Life Changing Ministries (LCM) he became a part of the Praise and Worship team as a bass player. He was a devoted member of LCM and was ordained as a Deacon in 2005. John exhibited his passion to serve and play by rarely missing a service at LCM or at other churches. When LCM was traveling to other churches, he would insist that LCM confirm that the other church had equipment in place for him to play his bass. John was “have bass and amp will travel”. He developed a love for music as a teenager and it stayed his passion throughout his life. He could jam for hour’s non-stop (loudly). If there was a jam session going on; he would grab his bass and join in. Just playing was not enough; he took classes to master his gift. John loved all types of music. He also loved fishing, video games and working on cars. He would give his last, he never wanted to see anyone hungry or in need. He was humble and a man of faith and always looks for the positive in any situation. John leaves to cherish his memory; his mother, Geraldine Watts; his devoted Michele; his children, Tiffany Denise Staton and Jonathan Cornell Watts Jr.; his grandchildren, Arrin Talia and A’ryan Zachariah Brown; his siblings, Clayton Moreland, Nathan Watts, Timothy Watts, Veronica Watts-Young (James), Deborah Butler (Howard), Daniel Watts, Althea Watts, and Joseph Watts (Wanda). His devoted friends; Tony, Sam and Staten and a host of nieces, nephews, his Kernan family and friends.

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Jonathan C Watts

September 17, 1958 - March 28, 2016