James Luther Waters Jr. | Eastern NC Now

    Mr. James Luther Waters, Jr., a native of Beaufort County, died recently in San Diego, CA.

    Born December 12, 1935 in Washington, NC, the son of James L. and Lillian C. Waters, Jim graduated from Washington High School before enlisting in the Navy. Mr. Waters was trained to perform maintenance on complex Weapons Control Systems. He worked up through the ranks from Seaman Recruit to Chief Petty Officer before earning a commission as an Ensign and later commanding his own ships.

    During his 30 years, notable ship assignments included USS SIBONEY CVE-112, USS TICONDEROGA CVA-14, USS HUNLEY AS-31, USS TAVFNAL DDG-19, and USS OKLAHOMA CITY CG-5. Shore assignments included NAVAL ORDNANCE TEST FACILITY, WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NEW MEXICO AND CO, FLEET COMBAT SYSTEMS TRAINING UNIT PACIFIC, San Diego, CA as well as several overseas tours.

    Following a tour in the Republic of Vietnam, Jim reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he earned a B.S. degree in Engineering Science. He also received an MBA from Southern Illinois University in 1980. After military retirement, Jim worked for 12 years as a Broker associate in real estate sales.

    In 1958 he married his childhood sweetheart, Jean Mitchell. She was a wonderful wife who endured the hardships of being a military spouse with dignity and grace until passing on June 14, 2014. She was preceded in death by their son James L. Waters III, in July 2000.

    On July 4, 2015, Jim married Hazel Ross from Edinburgh, Scotland, who is known in the San Diego area for her artistic abilities. They enjoyed the remaining years of his life with huge amounts of love and devotion.

    Surviving with his wife are two sisters, Barbara Snow and Sandra Wynne both of Washington as well as several nieces and nephews.

    In addition to his first wife and son, Mr. Waters was preceded in death by two sisters, Joyce Waters Whitehead and Carolyn Waters; brother, Justin Waters; and two brothers in law, Eddie Snow and Kirby Wynne.

    At Jim's request, no services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Naval Relief Society or charity of one's choice.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Waters family.