James Watson

During his 56-year career with 4-H, James Watson served as an assistant 4-H agent in Santa Rosa and Lake counties, and as extension director in Columbia and Duval counties. He continued his involvement with the 4-H program after his retirement. 

He secured funds to initiate a swine-breeding program in Santa Rosa County and even purchased a registered Duroc boar to breed 4-H swine projects.

Watson also developed a successful 4-H citrus project in Lake County and was featured in National Geographic magazine for his exceptional work with 4-H youth. 4-H membership grew tremendously under his guidance.

Watson held a strong personal interest in 4-H throughout his career and was very effective in building and securing support. He worked and traveled with 4-H’ers without regard to his personal time and was an effective teacher and mentor. The successes achieved by those he worked with are effective indicators of how strong his impact upon people was.  His naturally relaxed manner and the way he interacted with people helped him become widely known early in his career.

‘When you help young people along the way as you go thru life, you have done one of the greatest deeds possible to humanity. Seeing 4-H youth grow and develop into responsible adults is one of the most rewarding and greatest feelings one can have,” Watson said.

As a lifelong member of many community service organizations Watson’s reach was felt beyond the 4-H community and into his local community as well. He was longtime Kiwanis member and a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church serving in every capacity except minister. 

He is one of the most well-known and highly regarded extension agents to ever serve with the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. He was featured on television events and has an endless supply of human-interest stories and 4-H experiences to share with anyone.  He had a useful, productive and enriching career and continues to be active today.