J.C. "Jay" Watson, age 69, passed away at his home in Maysville, Kentucky on Monday, April 7, 2014 surrounded by loved ones.

Jay was born February 13, 1945 to John Otto and Algie Watson in Monticello, Kentucky, where he lived his early years until his family moved to New Castle, Indiana in the mid-1950s. Jay was a true self-made man who built his love for cars and carpentry into successful businesses. He owned Jay's Auto Sales in the 1960s, and left his mark on New Castle as a land developer and custom home builder in the 1970s. He continued his building career in Florida before returning to his home town of Monticello, Kentucky in the early 1990s.   There he developed Golden Pond Resort and built many homes and many friendships in the surrounding Cumberland Ridge community. He resided in Monticello until moving to Maysville, Kentucky in 2012.

Jay was a true craftsman with the grit and determination to build his ideas and make his own opportunities in life. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and was dearly loved by his family and many close friends.

Jay is survived by his wife, Linda Mineer Watson, of Maysville, KY; daughter Dana (John) Chalfin of Cicero, IN; son Troy (April) Watson of Fort Myers, FL; son Shane (Ilene) Watson of Fishers, IN; step-daughter Shawna (Jeff) Irvin and step-son Stanley Mineer of Maysville, KY; step-son Jason (Shannon) Phelps of Simpsonville, KY; step-son Michael Phelps of Somerset, KY; sister Sevella Upchurch of Greenwood, IN; brother Ellis Watson of New Castle, IN; sister Sylvia McFalls, sister Catha (Goble) Sutton, and brother John (Vicki) Watson of Monticello, KY; brother Reed (Donna) Watson of Science Hill, KY; 14 grandchildren, and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Brenda (1999); parents John Otto and Algie Watson; brothers Rayola, Phylip, and Bill Watson; brothers-in-law Charlie Upchurch and Glen McFalls; and sister-in-law Sue Watson.

Visitation will be at Barbour & Son Funeral Home in Tollesboro, KY on Wednesday, April 9th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and at Hicks & Vaughn Funeral Home in Monticello, KY on Friday, April 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be officiated by Joyce Neal on Saturday, April 12th at Hicks & Vaughn Funeral Home at 12:00 PM followed by interment at Sandusky Cemetery. For friends and family wishing to make a charitable contribution in Jay's honor in lieu of flowers, please consider Hospice of Hope at Kenton Pointe (Maysville, KY), Cottageville Mission Church (Vanceburg, KY), and Harvest Time Tabernacle (Monticello, KY) or Old Sandusky Cemetery Fund.