Ollicutt Joseph "O.J." Watters, born to Irvin and Constance Watters on May 27, 1970, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 5, at his home in Juliaetta as the result of an accidental firearm discharge.
Growing up at "the old house" in Sweetwater, O.J. enjoyed making tracks for his cars in the dirt, as well as playing by the hillside, which occasionally resulted in a missed meal due to not hearing the triangle dinner chime used to signal mealtime. Spending time watching his father do bronze sculptures in the shop, playing or swimming in the creek, jumping off the barn on to the stacks of hay, riding his brother Curtis' pony Peanuts provided for fun-filled childhood days.
O.J. was raised to understand the importance of family and embraced this teaching. Camping together with his father, siblings, grandma Blanche Hung, aunt Mari Watters and many family members at Slate Creek were times of togetherness that he enjoyed. Attesting to his understanding of the importance of family, O.J. would take a break from college to become a care provider for his grandma Blanche and aunt Mari in 1990 through 1992.
Another camping place that was special to his heart was the Coolwater Ridge area. These times of gathering and hunting included learning stories of the Nez Perce people. Family teachings were important to O.J. and all family members who had the privilege of being a part of these trips to the mountains.
As an elementary student at Lapwai, O.J. participated on a very select team on the basketball court during recesses. His neighbor and elementary teacher Ferris Paisano, who served as team captain, always selected him and friend Daniel Lawyer for the "Sweetwater" team.
Growing up among his elders, O.J. enjoyed time with both his maternal and paternal grandfathers. His grandpa Titus White living nearby was visited frequently and was responsible for his summer haircuts and the most memorable Mohawks that he and his brother received as young boys. O.J. also spent time dining with grandpa Sam Watters at the senior citizens lunches in Sweetwater.
Along with his father and older brothers, O.J. also spent time checking on and visiting family elders Cy and Rosa Red Elk at their home in Juliaetta, where he would later reside.
O.J., a direct descendent of Ollikot, younger brother of Chief Joseph, (both of whom he was named for), lived, advocated and worked for the protection of treaty reserved rights and the Nez Perce way of life.
In 1980, O.J., along with his father, numerous family and tribal members, stood up for Nez Perce treaty fishing rights at Rapid River when the state of Idaho attempted to exert authority over tribal treaty rights to harvest salmon. O.J.'s first catch occurred during this conflict in which officers of the Idaho Fish and Game attempting to confiscate a salmon would not contend with a young man chest deep in Rapid River challenging them to come and get his salmon.
Understanding the need to protect and enhance treaty and land resources for the Nez Perce people, O.J. was employed as a fisheries technician working directly to rebuild salmon runs with the Nez Perce Department of Fisheries Resources Management in the Enterprise field office from 1997 through 1999. He also spent summers fighting fires as well as on camp crews with the Nez Perce Fire Management Program.
As descendants of the Wallowa Band and members of the family, along with his father Irvin and brothers, O.J. hunted and provided meat to the Tamkaliks Celebration held at the Wallowa Homeland Project annually in July.
Among the people who would influence his life, O.J. grew up among the Spalding sweathouse "family;" the influence of his teachers resulted in him eventually joining the Spalding Drum.
In 2007, O.J. would work on the Spring Creek Community Sweathouse, where he regularly participated along with other members of the Spring Creek Society, who were near to and respected by him.
Living within a close family, Auntie Torchy and her children were frequent visitors to the family home, along with many family and friends who were very much loved by O.J., along with the many family members who were blessed to be taken in by Connie and Irvin over the years.
O.J. is preceded by his father, Irvin; brothers Curtis and Israel Watters; and sister Candace Watters. He is survived by his mother, Constance Watters at the family home in Sweetwater; and his nephew, Sky Watters of Lapwai. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and funeral service conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, both held at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center, with the Rev. Dr. Mary Jane Miles officiating. A dinner will follow. Cremation has occurred.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, November 12, 10:00 AM
- Location
-
Pi Nee Waus Community Center
Corner of Main Street & Birch Avenue
Lapwai, Idaho 83540
Get Directions - Additional Details
- Memorial Service will be held Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center.
Offer Condolences
Our Family, Serving Yours
✔ Family Owned since 1898
✔ Professional, Licensed Staff
✔ Burial or Cremation Services
✔ Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans
✔ Comfortable Facility
Serving the LC Valley Since 1898
920 21st Avenue