John M. Watson Sr.

John M. Watson Sr. (January 10, 1937 – September 7, 2006) was an American jazz musician and actor. He is perhaps best known for his roles in films such as Groundhog Day, The Fugitive, Natural Born Killers, and Soul Food. He was also a trombonist with musicians Red Saunders and Count Basie.

Life and career Watson was born in Albany, New York, on January 10, 1937. His father was a musician who was a piano player. His mother was a college athlete and singer. Watson was raised in Middletown, Ohio. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1954, where he was a member of the band. After serving four years in the United States Army he attended Miami University where he also met his wife of 44 years, Virginia. They had had three sons and two daughters. He had 13 movies to his credit, including key roles as Bones Roosevelt in The Fugitive, the Bartender in Groundhog Day, and Uncle Pete in Soul Food. He also made television appearances in The Untouchables and Early Edition, and appeared in numerous television and radio commercials.

He retired in 1996, but continued to perform around Chicago. Watson died on September 7, 2006, of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.