Obituary: James Vaill Christie of Watertown

Obituary courtesy of Hickox Funeral Home

WATERTOWN- James Vaill Christie of Watertown passed away peacefully on December 26, 2022. He was well known to many in Watertown and surrounding communities, having served as General Manager and co-owner of the Watertown Building Supply Co. for over 40 years.
Jim was born on February 19, 1939 in Bridgeport, CT to James and Elizabeth Christie. The family moved to Watertown in the 1940s to Willow Brook Farm on Northfield Road. Jim graduated from The Taft School in 1957 and immediately went on to study economics at Middlebury College. It was here that he met Margery Warner, who would become his wife in 1962.
Following college graduation he entered the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant, serving as the personnel officer for the II U.S. Army Corps. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service.
In the years following his return to Watertown, Jim served in many community service roles, including Chairman of the Watertown Industrial Task Force, Director of the Watertown Rotary Club, and as a trustee for both the Watertown Library Association and Evergreen Cemetery Association. He also served on the advisory committee for Colonial Bank and Trust. For many years he was a committee member for Boy Scout Troop 450 where he provided mentorship and participated in many troop activities.
Jim is survived by Margery, his wife of 60 years, son James, daughter Rebecca and her husband David Sabin, his brother Gilbert and his wife Judy, an aunt (Muriel McGowan), two grandchildren, six nephews, four nieces and many grand-nephews and nieces.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.