John G. Watts

May 2, 1929 - January 12, 2015

John Watts, born May 2, 1929, left this life and entered into God's rest on January 12, 2015. John was born in Evanston, Illinois and spent his early years in Chicago, Chile and Southern California. He spent his teen years in Virginia, Southern California, and Montana working on his brother- in-law's ranch; he was proud to be a cowboy and a close friend to many in the Crow Nation. During the Korean War, he served as a Navy corpsman in San Diego. He met the love of his life Patricia Hendrickson in 1950; she was a junior in high school and he a 21-year-old sailor! She introduced him to the one that changed his life forever - Jesus Christ. They were married on October 4, 1952 and were inseparable; together they raised three children as they moved from being students at Grace College and Seminary, to pastoring a church together, to different ministry roles with The Navigators and finally to Westmont College where they worked together in the office of College Advancement. John dedicated his life to serving others. He loved his family passionately. He served his friends deeply and took the initiative to make new friends daily. Known as "Watt Dad" to so many of his "kids," he always made it a point to encourage and pray for them. He loved sharing his passion for sports, his kids and grandkids, fishing, the forests, and mountains? Oh and his sense of humor! He was mischievous, loved good practical jokes and hilarious stories; he was always the life of the party. Our hearts are broken for our loss but joyful because he is with our Lord. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Patty, son and daughter-in-law Bruce Watts and Jennifer Boteilho, daughter and son-in-law Kathi and Dan Walker, daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Richard Cope, ten grandchildren (Hanna (fiancé Cody), Carisa (husband Ryan), Brandon, Gloria, Hannah, Kira, Isaiah, Rebekah, Noah and Johnny), his sister Henny Davies and several nieces and nephews. Our lives are forever changed and blessed by his imprint on our lives. A service to celebrate his life is planned for 2PM, Saturday, January 24 at Santa Barbara Community Church. Donations in John's honor may be made to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, Westmont College or Mount Hermon.