Born in Santa Monica and raised in Encino, Jim Watters harbored early aspirations of becoming a forest ranger. When confronted by his parents, who were less than enthusiastic, Jim changed
course. With a stop at Pierce College, where he earned his A.A., Jim found an early niche crafting telephoto lenses for surfer magazines and renowned publications like National Geographic.

This immersion in the world of optics seeded his expertise and ultimately led him to Universal Studios, where he steadily advanced. It was amid the studio’s bustling corridors that Jim met Lisa, his wife of 40 years. Lisa’s trajectory from production scheduling to the film production coordinator was a testament to her dedication to the craft.

Giving and receiving
A fortuitous connection led Jim to the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Foundation board in 2000, where he served for 11 years on many committees, was vice chair and departed
emeritus. As a Universal executive, Jim was proud of the company’s culture of philanthropy and volunteerism. “Providence Saint Joseph was Universal’s hospital,” says Jim. “We needed to support it. There was a corporate culture of ensuring the community and the people at Universal were taken care of.”

In 2002, their lives took an unexpected turn when Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer. Their journey through uncertainty was made easier by the compassion and outstanding care Lisa experienced at Providence Saint Joseph.

“All of the physicians and the whole staff at the hospital were great,” remembers Lisa. “I was in good hands. I felt fortunate to be at Saint Joe’s. I knew I would beat it, and I did with their help.”

Generous hearts
After 37 years with the studio, Jim retired as President and General Manager of Universal Studios Operations Group in 2011. The couple relocated to Durango, Colorado, which suits their active lifestyle. As they considered their legacy, supporting
Providence Saint Joseph emerged as a priority.

“It was an easy decision to put Providence Saint Joe’s in our trust,” says Jim. “With what they did for Lisa, what they’ve done for me and what they continue to do for the community. We’ve been taken care of and try to give back to those organizations
that have touched our lives.”

The Watters stand as beacons of resilience and generosity. “Jim and Lisa have a deep understanding of what the power of philanthropy does for this medical center,” says Tina Johann,
president and chief philanthropy officer, Providence Saint Joseph Foundation. “We are grateful for all they’ve done and continue to do to support outstanding care. They are treasures in this community.”