CANTON − Attorney Sam Ferruccio Jr. called him a leader and visionary.
James "Jimmy" Watson also was an innovator, Ferruccio said.
“Jimmy was always at the forefront, bringing new ideas to Stark County," Ferruccio said. "He owned Pub Club downtown (now Conestoga Grill) and Pub Club North (now Jerzee’s Sports Grille on Fulton). He even had a bus to transport patrons between the two, making it a memorable experience for everyone.”
Friends will gather Saturday at the Conestoga Grill in Canton for a long-delayed celebration of life to honor Watson, a North Canton resident who died July 23, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friends in Stark County reflected on Watson's work in entertainment in the county over the years.
'He was always very respectful.'
Rick Taylor, co-owner of Kozmo’s Grille in Massillon, remembers Watson always supported local restaurants and bars while he was out and about. “He was very respectful of my family when we had our beer distribution business, and after we sold it,” Taylor said.
“Whenever he talked with my father, (Watson) was very respectful to him, even though he was a customer of ours. Even after we sold Taylor Beverage, whenever I would see Jimmy he would ask about my dad and my sister. I always appreciated how he treated our family.”
Who was James 'Jimmy' M. Watson?
The 69-year-old Watson was remembered for known for his infectious passion for life and hospitality.
Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, his family later moved to Canton. After graduating from Lincoln High School, his baseball talent earned him a place on the roster at Arizona State University. He also later was inducted into the Greater Canton Amateur Sports Hall of Fame.
According to Watson's obituary, he also studied at Miami Dade College and Kent State University. After college, he worked as an aide for Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar and for the Ohio Lottery Commission.
He got involved in the entertainment business, and owned several iconic establishments in Canton. His ventures included two Pub Clubs, Le Pair at Belpar, Sports Page, Rivera Social Club and, his last endeavor, Jimmy’s on Portage in Jackson Township.
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Business partner recalls the early days
Dan Duplain, a business partner and longtime friend of Watson's, met playing baseball as youths and reconnected years later in the Pittsburgh airport.
“From that day, we became instant friends,” Duplain said. “We would meet every Friday for happy hour. I owned a travel agency, and it was during a trip to Hawaii that we planned our first Pub Club, which opened St. Patrick’s Day weekend in 1978. The lines were out the door, and the place was buzzing.
“When the place first opened, Jimmy would come to my home every Thursday and stay until Sunday. He was very close to my family.”
Watson's ventures weren’t just about business; they were about creating experiences. Duplain said they used a refurbished Greyhound bus to transport patrons between Pub Club locations, and to sporting events and concerts. He said the effort was evidence of Watson's commitment to his patrons.
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“Jimmy was also known as ‘Jim the Jeweler,’” Duplain said. “He would purchase jewelry during our frequent trips to New York City and sell it in northeast Ohio. He was a real people person, making sales was a natural fit for him.”
Friends say that Watson "did it his way," and brought joy, camaraderie and a love for great food and drink to everyone he met.
“I wasn’t involved in his last venture, Jimmy’s on Portage, because having my own company in Cleveland made it difficult. But we always stayed great friends. I really miss him,” Duplain added.
Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.
Remembering Jimmy
What : Celebration of Life for James "Jimmy" Watson
When : 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where : Conestoga Grill , 217 2nd St. NW in Canton.
More details: The event is open to the public. Those interested in attending should RSVP to Bruce Williams at 330-323-8181.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Event to honor Canton's late Jimmy Watson
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