James Lowrie Watt died peacefully December 16, at Masonicare of Newtown in Sandy Hook. He was born June 20, 1932, in Stamford, and raised on the Upper East Side of Manhattan by his loving parents, Elizabeth and William Watt, who had emigrated from Beith, Scotland.

He leaves his daughter, Kimberly Taber Bassett of Sandy Hook, and her two children, McGarry Hunter and Kennedy Taber; and his son James Chad Watt, along with his wife Lynn, and children Colin, Tyler, and Hallie of Somers. His wife, Shirley Dee Taber Watt of Ithaca, N.Y., and his parents predeceased Mr Watt.

Growing up he was involved in the The Brick Presbyterian Church and the Boy Scouts, sailing handmade boats in Central Park, and learning the skills of camping, boating, and fishing.

He graduated from Haaren High School, New York City, and joined the US Air Force during the Korean War. He served in the Strategic Air Command's “Bastard 8th” in Florida and South Dakota until he was honorably discharged as an airman first class, in 1956.

While in the service he became a Mason with Rapid City Lodge 25, and graduated photo-engraving school in Chicago. Returning to live in New York City, Mr Watt was a longstanding member of Clan MacKenzie of the Order of Scottish Clans (Fraternal). Following his father, he held the position of clan chieftain.

Mr Watt worked at Walker Printing in New York City and later at Graphic Color Plate in Stamford. He married the love of his life, Shirley Dee Taber, on April 28, 1963, and moved to the Lordship section of Stratford. He was a devoted father to his two children.

He enjoyed being a part of the Lordship Fathers Club, PYE, and was a longstanding member of the Lordship Community Church. In later years he took up painting and wooden bird carving. Having learned to fly as a young man, he was an aviation enthusiast as well as a history buff, who particularly enjoyed the Civil War and World War II eras.

He was a generous, funny, and an unfailingly kind man who always had a twinkle in his eye, a bad joke, and a good word for all. He was a good Scot and a gentleman to the end. “Spread kindness and think of him.”

The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice and Masonicare of Newtown for their support, as well as his many friends, especially the wonderful neighbors of Fifth Avenue in Lordship who made his life so rich.

Arrangements are private.