Obituary of Jack Watson

Jack Watson was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jack grew up in Putnam Connecticut with his Parents Frank and Marion Watson. He moved to Santa Cruz in 1953. He attended Santa Cruz High School where he met his lifelong love of 68 years, Sharon Nystrom, at the young age of 15-years-old. Jack and Sharon were married right out of high school on 9/15/1956. Jack had many hobbies, including softball, bodysurfing, camping and spending time in Tahoe. Jacks’ main passion was music. He played piano in several bands; he wrote music and just enjoyed all aspects of music. After high school, Jack got a job with the Wrigley company as a gum boy. He worked his way up the ladder to become the general supervisor of manufacturing. Jack was instrumental in the opening of the India factory and was proud to be the person to make the first batch of chewing gum in India. He retired with 38 years of service. Jack and Sharon purchased a log cabin in Tahoe over 50 years ago and spent many summers there boating and winters building toboggan runs for the grandchildren. They quickly became friends with all the neighbors and their cabin became the meeting spot for dinners and social events. Their door was always open to company. After retirement, Jack and Sharon spent most day caring for their 10 grandkids, traveling, remodeling Sharons childhood home that her father built. Jacks’ family was the center of his life. He and Sharon have 5 children, Michael, Steven, Kathleen, Jennifer and Jeffrey, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren with 3 on the way in 2025. Jack will be missed dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jean and his grandson Eric Watson Services will be held at Santa Cruz Memorial Oakwood Crystal Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.