James Dale “Buck” McWatters

James Dale “Buck" McWatters 70, of Bradenton, Fla., and East Jordan, died August 26, 2024, in Bradenton.

Buck was born Oct. 20, 1953, in Charlevoix, Mich., the son of Kimiko (Mayahara) and Dale Henry McWatters, both of whom predeceased him in 2007 and 2012, respectively. He married Nancy Dionne in 1994; she predeceased him July 2, 2021. The first grandson born after several granddaughters to Henry and Beatrice (Wardell) McWatters, his moniker was an abbreviated version of the nickname his grandfather bequeathed to him, “Buckshot.” His was a childhood full of outdoor adventure surrounded by his loving parents, older sisters and large extended family. Early on he developed a sense of humor and easy laugh that never left him and was a gift to all who knew him.  He was a 1971 graduate of East Jordan High School, where he excelled in football and basketball (wearing the number 50) as well as track. He was employed for 40 years at EJ (formerly East Jordan Iron Works) and served 37 years with the East Jordan Fire Department, from which he retired as assistant chief.  

Buck is survived by his children, Jeremy “Jay” (Kristie) McWatters, Nathan “Nate” McWatters and Patrick (Tracy) McWatters; stepsons, Eric Dionne, Stephen (Becky) Dionne and Michael Dionne; sisters, Linda (David) Rodgers and Betty (Pat) O’Rourke; grandchildren, Houston Spencer, Caitlyn McWatters, Christopher McWatters, Tacory “Taco” Newman, Kaysci McWatters, Hadleigh McWatters, Harlow McWatters, Marissa Albro-McWatters, Hayden Albro-McWatters, Chantelle (Warren) Gero, Jordan (Kayla) Dionne, Brent (Kait) Dionne, Aubree Dionne and Wyatt Dionne; great-grandchildren, Easton McCoy, Joe Dionne, Cameron Dionne, Willow Dionne and Brooks Gero; his nieces, Alisa Griffin (A.J. Russo), Erin (Ian) Stewart and Corynn Coscia; great-niece, Colette "Coco" Coscia; great-nephews, Lane Griffin and Henry Coscia; uncles, Jimmie (Toni Lynn) McWatters and Ronnie (Vicki) McWatters; and numerous cousins, other family members and friends.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m.  Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Lighthouse Missionary Church, 7824 Rogers Road, East Jordan, followed by burial and a luncheon at the church. The family will receive friends 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service as well as 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the church. 

Friends and loved ones are encouraged to send by 9/30/24 stories, remembrances and pictures to rememberingbuck2024@gmail.com (please include your name and relationship to Buck with your submission); these will be compiled and shared at the memorial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to East Jordan Fire Fighters Association, P.O. Box 50, East Jordan, MI 49727.

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