We lost our beloved patriarch earlier this year. Jay was a devoted father, husband, grandpa and great grandpa. He lived a life marked by resilience, courage and countless fishing trips. He grew up in Riverton, where he played baseball and basketball, graduating from Riverton High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army during the Berlin crisis, and graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with an accounting degree.
Jay was a visionary of office technology, with the founding of CDS Office Technologies in 1971, selling copier duplicator equipment and services, with the business expanding into a full line of office technology products and professional services. Together, with his son Mark and daughter Kelly, Jay grew CDS to become one of the Midwest’s largest privately-owned companies. He continued to be active and a part of CDS for many years past normal retirement.
Jay mentored many lives through business, summer parties, fish fries and always seemed to connect with everyone. He loved wintering with Kathy in Florida and especially enjoyed deep sea fishing when family and friends visited. Jay’s legacy will never be forgotten.
-Wife Kathy Harms Watson
This article appears in January 1-7, 2026.
