Background
Watson, James R. was born on July 30, 1965 in Jerseyville, Illinois, United States.
Watson, James R. was born on July 30, 1965 in Jerseyville, Illinois, United States.
Bachelor in History, Eastern Illinois University, 1988. Master of Arts in History, Eastern Illinois University, 1990. Master of Business Administration, University Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1997.
Social studies teacher Auburn High School, Rockford, Illinois, 1988—1989, Highland High School, 1990. Graduate assistant Eastern Illinois University, 1989—1990. Vice president marketing Wareco Convenience Stores, Jacksonville, Illinois, 1991—2001.
Member District 97 Illinois House of Representatives, 2001—2010. Adjunct professor Blackburn College, Carlinville, Illinois, 1999, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, 1999. Served with United States Marine Corps/United States Marine Corps Reserve, 1985-1991, served in Operation Desert Storm, 1990-1991, serves United States Marine Corps Reserve, 3rd Civil Affairs Group, since 2007.
Chairman American Red Cross Hero’s Campaign, Jacksonville, 2005.
Married Lisa Eoff; children: Katie, Jacob, Lexi.