Johnny Ray Watson, 59, of Rexburg, died Wednesday, August 4, 2004, in Ashton, Idaho. He was born October 30, 1944, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Johnny Owen and Della Patricia Patterson Watson. Johnny was raised primarily in southeast Idaho, but spent some time in Louisiana and Kentucky. He attended Montpelier High School, where he graduated in 1964. He married Irene Gerber on June 25, 1965, in Montpelier. The marriage was solemnized in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple on August 1, 1966.
He studied architecture at Idaho State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in architecture in 1972. Following graduation, he managed a concrete batch plant on the Teton Dam until the dam failed in 1976. He then went to work in an architectural firm in Idaho Falls. In 1994, Johnny formed his own firm in Rexburg, JRW and Associates, where he worked until his death. Much of Rexburg and many other southeast Idaho communities showcase the work his firm completed, including hospitals, jails, churches, schools and commercial building of all types. Johnny was a member of the Rexburg Planning and Zoning Commission for several years.
Johnny and his wife, Irene, raised six children. He was an athlete whose interests included running, swimming and cycling. Running was his primary form of exercise, and he participated in numerous road races including 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and full marathons. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed them through whitewater rafting and kayaking, camping and hunting. The whole of Johnny's life was dedicated to his family. He loved his children, and his grandchildren were the joy of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Irene, of Rexburg; children, Johnny Randall (Crystal) Watson of Rexburg, Lisa Irene Watson of Astoria, Oregon, Joseph Erin (Autumn) Watson of Pocatello, Jennica Ray (James) Hirrlinger of Rexburg, Jaren Philip (Charity) Watson of Rexburg; 13 grandchildren; siblings, Patricia Lee (James) Lowder of Pocatello, Betty Adelia Sparks of Dingle, Idaho, Sheila Mae (Jerry) Tueller of Paris, Idaho, Jerry Francis Watson of Montpelier, David Gene Watson of Salt Lake City, Utah, Debra Ann (Richard) Brown of Pocatello. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Donna Louise, a brother, Thomas Morris Watson, and his son, Joshua Loren Watson. Johnny was buried in the Burton Cemetery.