Christopher Jay Watson

With sadness and love, the family of Christopher Jay Watson, announces his unexpected passing in his college town of Dubuque, Iowa.  CJ, as he was affectionately known, was born July 5, 1993 with a destiny to be great. The youngest of four boys, CJ was a natural lover of all things sports, cars and music.  Football was a passion he shared with his brothers.  As a child, CJ often followed his older brothers around throwing a football or playing video games. Quiet to most, but full of life to anyone close to him, CJ had a beautiful smile that lit any room he entered. As a youth, he played football and competed in track and field at Glenbard West High School, where he was a Conference Champion in 2009 and placed second in the State Championship.  CJ went on to attend the University of Dubuque, where he continued to dominate on the field, qualifying 19th in the high jump with a top height of 6'8" at the University of Dubuque Open. He currently sits fourth all-time at the University of Dubuque in high jump and has owned the Top Jump title since 2001. CJ won countless medals and took pride in preserving the memorabilia from his athletic achievements over the years, proving just how much love and heart he put into being his best on the field.

CJ graduated from the University of Dubuque, making him the first in his immediate family to graduate from college. Following college, he nestled into adult life as a glazier for Dubuque Glass Company, where he proudly designed the company's logo.  CJ found passion in making music, drawing and learning new crafts such as carpentry and landscaping. When he wasn't working or creating a masterpiece in his backyard, CJ was likely taking his beloved dog, Otis, for a stroll. 

Much like Otis, we will all miss CJ dearly as he had so much life and love left to give. CJ would not want everyone to mourn his departure, but to instead laugh and rejoice in his memories. He never hesitated to make you laugh or cheer others up when feeling down. CJ loved his family and never hesitated to let them know. If he could leave us with one thought it would be to “Be all the things you loved most about him."

CJ leaves behind to cherish his memory his mother, Jenifer Watson; loving brothers Brian Watson, Brandon Watson and Brantlee Sweat; grandmother Edlee Watson (Leroy Watson, Sr); dearest guardian LaLisa Jones (Haywood Earl Jones, Sr); honorary brothers Haywood Jones Jr,  Darwin Jones, Dawan Watson, and honorary sister Donjeanique Jones.  As a dear nephew, his uncle Leroy Watson, Jr and aunts Donnie Howard, Dororthy Jackson, late Delores Watson, late Ramona Watson, Brenda Watson, Arletha Roberson, Sharon Evans and Jeanette Watson.  As a doting uncle, his nieces and nephews Ivory, Brandon Jr., Amaryllis, Chloe, Adriann, Brayden and Maximus; a host of cousins and friends; and his beloved companion, his dog Otis. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the family for funeral expenses.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 14th from 10 AM until the time of service at 2 PM at Leonard Funeral Home, 565 Duane St. Glen Ellyn. Interment will be private.