John Michael Watson, age 53, of Los Angeles, California, died of
an apparent heart attack on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. He was born on August
12, 1956, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.


He is survived by parents, James (Joan) Watson and Margaret Watson
(special friend Alvin Hintz); sister, Susan (Baxter Richardson); brothers,
Chris (Anne), and Timothy (Jennifer); nephews: Austin, Ian, and Colin; an aunt,
Jane Hamilton; and cousins, Jill and John Hamilton. He is preceded in death by
a sister, Kathleen.


John loved his family.
Recently, when he thought the California part of his life was behind him, he
happily spent two years back in the Midwest being close to family-he was
especially glad to spend time with his three nephews.


John received a BA (Philosophy) and an MA (Film and Video
Technology) at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. While an undergrad, he
earned a departmental award of excellence from the Philosophy Department. John
thrived at school, and his teachers enjoyed having him in class because he
elevated the level of discourse in every discussion he joined.


John worked in the TV and film industry in Los Angeles for over
twenty years. At the time of his death, he was working as Chief Engineer on South
Park. John willingly put in long hours to meet deadlines and finish
projects. If hard work were all it took, John would be king of the world-no one
worked harder than he did.


John distinguished himself early on as an avid bicyclist. He began
by racing with the Fox Valley Wheelmen. He was selected to participate in the
U.S. Olympic Program in 1981, and he raced as part of the United States Cycling
Team that spring in Toronto. He was instrumental in getting the Trek team
sponsorship going that same year. He competed in road races and on tracks. We
often enjoyed watching him race in criterions around the capitol square in
Madison. He won some. He competed hard. He enjoyed being an athlete.


John was a collector. He owned more Appel bikes than Mike Appel,
himself. He saved computer equipment and bike parts. He was sure he'd find a
use for a truckload of videotape. He saved t-shirts. Anything he could get his
hands on. He had storage lockers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and California. (If
you're aware of something John's got stashed somewhere, let us know-we'll come
and get it.)


John will be remembered for the joy with which he lived his life.
His friends meant the world to him. He made friends wherever he went and kept
his friends forever. Annual ski trips with friends and brothers to Bozeman,
Montana were jam-packed with skiing and sheepshead, and catching up on each
other's lives. John would travel anywhere to see the Packers play, making sure
he tail-gated beforehand and stuck around for fifth quarter festivities
afterward.


Funeral services for John will be held at
3:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels,
1025 Oregon Street. A time of visiting
for the sharing of memories and support will be held at the funeral chapel on
Saturday from 2:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com
to share online condolences with John's family.


Memorials may be sent to: John Michael Watson Memorial Fund, 3021
Edenberry Street, Madison, WI 53711.


The family would like to extend a special
thank you to Frank Agnone for all the help he gave after John's death.


We love you, John. We always will. And we
miss you already.
Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
1025 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902