James Martin Watt

August 7, 1951 – January 11, 2026

James Martin Watt, 74, of Perkins, Oklahoma, passed away on January 11, 2026. Born in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Harvey and Wanda Watt, James grew up with a deep appreciation for the land and his community. He graduated from Collinsville High School before attending Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Economics.

Throughout his professional life, James was dedicated to serving the agricultural community. He held impactful roles with the Farmers Home Administration, the Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, and the Iowa Tribe.

A devoted family man, James shared 54 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Billie (Payton) Watt. He was a pillar of strength and love for his children, Tammy Johnson and her husband Darrin of Perkins, and Trent Watt and his wife Beth of Yale. He was an exceptionally proud grandfather to Connor Johnson (Mollie), Nathalie Belford (Carlton), and Layne Johnson, and a doting great-grandfather to Waylon Belford.

James was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy in hunting and fishing. He was passionate about stewardship, teaching his children and grandchildren to respect and care for the environment. His favorite memories were made while hunting, fishing, camping and sharing his love for nature with those he held most dear.

He is survived by a large and loving family, including ten siblings: Rodger Watt, Joe Hoffman, Eugene Watt, Robert Watt, Anita Sloan, Lisa Boren, Fawn Carroll, Frank Riddle, Lucy Yeager, and Leland Watt, along with many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Wanda (Durbin) Watt and Mary Jo Watt; his parents-in-law, Gerald and Naomi Jean Payton; his brother, Jerry Watt; and his sister, Cynthia Hoffman.

In accordance with his wishes and his love for the outdoors, a memorial family fishing trip will be held in the spring to celebrate his life. Family and friends will gather to share memories and honor a man who made sure everyone he loved knew it. Details for the gathering will be announced at a later date.