Born in Ohio and raised in Pennsylvania, Jim Watson began his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout then worked his way up the ranks. This included induction into the Order of the Arrow, earning the God & Country Award, then ultimately reaching the highest rank in Scouting—his Eagle badge. As an Eagle Scout, Jim served as the Nature Director for the Appalachian Trail Council Blue Mountain Scout Reservation.  Achieving Eagle Scout rank requires both learning and using various life skills, overcoming challenges, and maintaining focus and perseverance.  All of which he continued using throughout his life journey from elementary school, through college and medical school, and ultimately a residency in orthopedic surgery.  After 2 years in the Air Force, to our good fortune, Jim settled in Redlands where he practiced medicine for over 40 years taking care of countless patients, their children, and their grandchildren.  Among the rewards of this estimable career are the many past patients and their families who approach him still with gratitude for the care they were given.  Early in his medical career, Jim was appointed by the Governor of California to the Medical Quality Review Committee for the state of California. As well, Jim found time to volunteer for 30 years as team physician for the University of Redlands football team and was honored for his service when he was inducted into the U of R Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also a team physician for the YMCA Gymnastics Program.  Jim was the Medical Director of the Inland Surgery Center for many years and served on numerous boards of directors, including the boards of the Beaver Medical Group, Epic Management, and the Redlands/Yucaipa Guidance Clinic. He was on the boards of Children’s Fund of San Bernardino County and the East Valley YMCA.  Jim has served as Chief of Staff at Redlands Community Hospital and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation.  Additionally, for many years, Jim was a member of Redlands Noon Rotary, which presented him with the Extra Mile Award for his Service to the Community, and, with his wife, Vicky, he has volunteered for numerous projects for service organizations in Redlands.

Vicky is a life-long resident of the Inland Empire, her grandfather having settled in Redlands in 1908.  After earning a biology degree which emphasized micro and molecular biology, Vicky studied at San Bernardino Medical Center to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist then continued her education to become a Specialist in Transfusion Medicine.  As a young college student, Vicky began working part time as a receptionist in the Clinical Laboratory at Redlands Community Hospital.  As her education progressed, she progressed at RCH, ultimately supervising the Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine Department as well as performing duties as Laboratory Information Systems Analyst and working for and advising the Medical Staff as Transfusion Coordinator.  Along the way, Vicky was a volunteer tutor for Home Again which provided services for low-income families and for the homeless.  She was on the board of the YWCA/YMCA, serving as president of the YWCA.  Vicky was also on the board of Children’s Fund and president of their auxiliary, Bonne’s Meres.  She later served on the Family Services board.  Vicky was a recipient of the YWCA’s Virginia Gaylord Award for “…Volunteer Services While Exhibiting Enthusiasm, Courage, Humor and the Affirmation That Life is a Gift to be Given to Others”, and she was honored by Town & Gown in their A Woman’s Place is Every place event.  Vicky was a Brownie.

Vicky & Jim first met at Redlands Community, the result of a relatively tense work-related conversation. (Ask them about it sometime.)

As described by Vicky, they have a beautiful, blended family of 6 children, and, at this point, 11 grandchildren.  All 6 children are graduates of RHS and REV High Schools. The grandchildren now range in age from 3 to 26 years. The Watsons love traveling, big family gatherings at home, and spending time with children and grandchildren on their beloved island of Maui.  In retirement, Jim has become a gourmet chef and approaches this endeavor with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail as he did Scouting and Medicine. Vicky continues with service-oriented tasks and enjoys her children, grandchildren, friends, gardening, and the furry members of their family (Bruno the German Shepherd—a gentle giant, and 2 princess-like Miniature Schnauzers).

Vicky & Jim welcome all of you, look forward to celebrating with you, and hope you enjoy the evening.