PORTLAND — John (Jack) Charles Watson Jr., 83, of Gray, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 14, at Maine Medical Center with his family by his bedside, following an accident.

Jack was the son of the late Ruth Elizabeth (Drew) and John Charles Watson Sr. of Denver, Colo.

Jack was raised and educated in Denver, Colo., where he was a state champion swimmer and an Eagle Scout. He graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder earning dual degrees in business and electrical engineering. While there, he swam competitively, excelling in the butterfly stroke to set records, several of which remain today.

His early career took him east to Lincoln Lab (MIT) and Raytheon in Massachusetts, where he frequently traveled to South America in the Missile Defense Program. He was active in Sudbury’s Buddy Werner Ski League, teaching his children the value of perseverance while they perfected their racing skills. Following his marriage to his second wife, Priscilla, he relocated his family to Connecticut and then Virginia where he worked for MITRE. Upon his retirement, he and Priscilla returned to their beloved Maine where they had spent many summers. Never one to sit idle, Jack held many registered patents and eventually formed his own start-up, Watson Technologies, based in Portland.

Jack wore many hats in his lifetime: that of inventor, dreamer, storyteller, philosopher, entrepreneur, sailor and beekeeper. He carried around his copy of “Endurance” and was always ready for a discussion or debate in the “spirit of Shackleton.” Whether sailing in his Thistle on the Cape in his early days, skiing at Big Sky when he turned 70, or participating in friendly trivia competitions, Jack lived life to its fullest. He was a longtime supporter of the University of Colorado Alumni Association, Crystal Lake Association and the Boy Scouts of America. In recent years, he was happiest sitting on his deck, looking out over Crystal Lake and listening to the loons. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and good friend to many.

Survived by his children, Cynthia Watson (Robert Gross), Yarmouth, Janice Watson Camp (David Wendel), Arlington, Mass., Barbara Watson, Bozeman, Mont., John Watson, Albany, N.Y.; and stepchildren, Richard Feeley, Sefner, Fla., Todd Feeley (Julie Ann) Alva, Fla., and Beth Feeley, Woodbridge, Va. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Watson; and his second wife, Priscilla (Feeley) Watson.

Please visit www.advantagePortland.com to sign Jack’s guest book to leave memories and condolences.