Background
Watson was born on May 21, 1922, in Harlem, New York City, the son of James S. Watson and his wife Violet.
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James Lopez Watson
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James Lopez Watson, American Federal judge. Bar: New York bar 1951. Decorated Purple Heeart, Combat Infantry badge. Board of directors New York City Police Athletic League. Served with infantry Army of the United States, World World War II, European Theatre of Operations. Member American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Federal Bar Council, World Peace ThroughLaw.
Education
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University in 1947 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1951.
Career
He practiced law in New York City. In November 1963, he was elected to the New York City Civil Court. On January 19, 1966 President Johnson nominated Watson to serve as a Judge for the United States Customs Court, to the seat vacated by Judge Jed Johnson.
On March 7, 1966, he was confirmed by the Senate and received his commission on March 7, 1966.
On November 1, 1980, he was transferred by operation of law to the newly created United States Court of International Trade. He took senior status on February 28, 1991, and served in that capacity until his death.
He was succeeded by Judge Donald C. Pogue. Because judges of that court are periodically assigned to federal courts around the country, Watson became the first African-American judge to head a federal court in the South since Reconstruction.
Watson died on September 1, 2001 from cancer in New York City.
In 2003, the courthouse at 1 Federal Plaza in Manhattan was renamed the James L. Watson United States Court of International Trade Building in his honor.
Achievements
Membership
Board of directors New York City Police Athletic League. Served with infantry Army of the United States, World World War II, European Theatre of Operations. Member American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Federal Bar Council, World Peace ThroughLaw.
Connections
Married D'Jaris Hinton Watson, July 14,1956 (deceased November 1989). Children: Norman, Karen, Kris.
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Born
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Died
September 1, 2001 (aged 79) -
Nationality
United States -
Political Party
Democratic party
Education
Awards
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Purple Heart Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military.The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military.