40 replies to this topic

[Bill Breck]

Saw this today on Facebook:

 

Prolific artist and builder Jairus Watson passed away early May 19, 2025 in Salem Oregon. Known for his illustrations, he was also a writer, contributor to magazines like Scale Auto Enthusiast, Model Cars and Slot Cars Magazine where he was also the editor.

 

His box art graced kits from AMT, Galaxie, Revell, and Trumpeter. He also designed art for several Johnny Lightning die-cast series.

 

His illustrations can be seen as instruction sheets and articles on creating latches and hinges for model cars.

 

He built many slot cars for customers around the world, often with incredible detail and sourcing vintage components.

 

He won Best of Show at GSL in 1986. Though he is home with his Lord, Jesus Christ, he will be missed by family and friends alike.

[MSwiss]

Sad to hear.

 

An incredibly talented guy.

 

May he rest in peace. 

[slotcarone]

RIP, Jairus. An amazing talent.

[Mike Patterson]

Wow. Not what I expected to read on a Tuesday morning. Another one gone too soon.

 

Rest in peace.

[Cheater]

Incredibly sad to hear my good friend Jairus has passed. His talents are irreplaceable.

[Martin]

Was not ready for this sad news. A great loss to all that knew him. RIP

 

A legend in our hobby.

[Tex]

RIP, Jairus...

[Martin]

Keeping Jairus Watson's memory alive. Please show and share any of his artwork that you know of.
 
These are a few items in my collection I will treasure even more now. He was always there willing and more than able to do this kind of art.
 
I am in shock in this moment.
 

 

 

[JerseyJohn]

A great loss to our slot car community. RIP.

[Cheater]

From Jairus' Facebook page:

 

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved father, Jairus Watson, who died peacefully this morning, May 19.

Our family is heartbroken, but we take comfort in the memories we shared and the hope that he is now fully restored and at rest with his Heavenly Father.

We are grateful for the love and support of our friends, family, and community during this difficult time. Details about services or ways to honor his memory will be shared soon for those who wish to join us in remembering him.

Rest in peace, Dad. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Rev. 21:5)

Please feel free to share any photos or memories you had with him on this post or his page. We’d love to hear them! Thank you!"

 

[Don Weaver]

He did a 'Sundance' paint job for me once and then gifted me the only other set of his Ferrari 330P3 decals that he had made for his Car Model build. 

 

Thanks, Jairus, for letting us look over your shoulder as you built and painted some of the most beautiful and iconic slot cars here on Slotblog. Rest in peace...

 

Don 

[Noose]

So sad. We talked often about painting. RIP.

[MG Brown]

Album of J. Watson creations

[Larry Horner]

Very sad and a huge loss to our community. Here is a Porsche 906 that Jarius painted for me a few years back. Actually painted is not quite accurate as he also crafted the interior and wheel inserts.

 

 

 

 

[Dave Crevie]

That is sad news. Only met him once, but liked him a lot.

 

God be with you, Jairus.

[Pablo]

Jairus' Toys in the Attic - Slotblog

[Cheater]

Bought over from Facebook:

"Please join us May 31 at 1 PM to celebrate dad’s life! Everyone is welcome! And if you have a classic car and you’d like to be a part of the cruise-in following the service, please contact Katy Watson via Facebook Messenger. We’d love to honor dad with a small car show and a rev-up at the end!"

 

[slotcarcol]

This is sad news. Jarius could do it all.

 

He had a fantastic 'eye' for how things should be done, and his work was a true inspiration.

 

Condolences to his family.

[Jens Scale Racing]

Sad news... RIP, Jairus.

[nostalgic]

So sad to hear this news. RIP, my friend, I am very sad.

[stoo23]

Oh... how incredibly sad... condolences to his family and loved ones...

 

May he rest in peace.

[Martin]

What an incredible body of work Jairus left us. Beautiful and inspirational. He certainly had talent, I feel lucky he shared it with us.    
 
Works of Jarius Watson

[Jencar17]

 

[Wizard Of Iz]

Oh, no! He was an incredible talent on so many levels. I'm fortunate to have three pieces of his artwork hanging in my hobby room.

I'll keep his family in my prayers.

[Cheater]

Jairus was one of those rare people who was talented on numerous levels. He was a consummate artist in multiple media, a fabulous craftsman, and just a wonderful and warm person. For someone to have all three of these characteristics is very unusual.