John L. "Jack" Watson

John Leonard "Jack" Watson, 83, of Youngstown, passed away peacefully at the Austinwoods Nursing Center in Austintown on August 30, 2016. He was born to Jessie M. Smith and Stanley Watson on February 25, 1933 in Niles, Ohio. Survivors include brother Gene R. (Violet) Allison of Warren, Daughter Lora (Shane) Goodnight of Canton, son Mark (Carrie) Watson of Massillon, grandchildren Brady and Morgan Watson, Former wife of 19 years Nancy Roehlig of Crossville, TN., and special friend Marjorie "Helen" Perkins. Thank you Marjorie for everything you did for him and everyone who spent time with him. He loved your company. He is preceded in death by his mother Jessie M. Smith and his stepfather Frank J. Smith of Hermitage. PA. Jack attended Niles McKinley High School, where he graduated in 1951, He then obtained a bachelor's degree from Ohio University, a master's degree from Kent State University and a PHD in Economics from Indiana Northern College. He served as the Mayor of Englewood, Ohio in the mid 1970's. He also was a long-time educator at institutions including Youngstown State University, Kent State University, Mercyhurst University, Mount Union (College University, Penn State Shenango and Earlham College. He was also a buyer at Trane Company in LaCrosse, WI., NCR in Dayton and president of IEW in Youngstown. He as an avid animal lover, especially of his dog Mischief. He was a fan of Cleveland sports teams and was thrilled to see the Cavaliers win a championship. The family would like to thank Crossroads Hospice for their care and support. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday September 22, from 4 to 6 PM at the Ice House Inn 5516 W. Webb Rd., in Austintown. Memorial donations may be made to The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.