James Lee Christie

James Lee Christie, a Cisco native and life-long supporter of his beloved Cisco Loboes, passed away peacefully at his home on May 3, 2018 surrounded by family members and dedicated caregivers.

Shortly after Jim was born in Rising Star on November 20, 1929, Jim and his family moved to Cisco. After graduation from Cisco High, Jim joined the Army and served his country as a corporal during the Korean conflict.

Thanks to the GI Bill, Jim attended Texas Tech University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hired Jim as a staff geologist and he spent over 30 years working on major construction projects all over the southwest.

After retirement from the Corps of Engineers, Jim spent his days reading, listening to country music, playing an occasional game of poker with his buddies and cooking good food that he loved to share with his neighbors, his cats and his rescue dog Buddy. He was always good for a laugh, especially when the joke was on him. He was a thoughtful, kind soul and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include:
Sons: James Stanley Watts and wife Karen, Christopher Michael Watts, Gregory Wayne Watts and wife Rachel, William Lawton Watts and wife Patti;
Brother: Joe Christie;
Nephews: Robert, George, Dennis and Charles Christie;
Niece: Molly Christie Benson.
Grand nieces: Lily and Ivy Christie
Grandchildren: Courtney Watts, David Steenbergen and wife Melanie, Jennifer Steenbergen, Whitney Watts, Nickolas Watts, Joshua Watts, Emily Christie Sonnen, Abigail Christie, Joel Christie, Sophia Christie, Elijah Christie and Anna Christie.

Great Grandchild Caden Steenbergen.


Jim will be laid to rest at the Oakwood Cemetery,
joining his grandparents, uncle, mother and brother Robert who predeceased him.
A private family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at 11am May 19, followed by a family reception at the Eastland home of Shirley and George Christie