James “Jimi” Watson
Executive Secretary/Treasurer
James “Jimi” Watson, an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, serves as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Appalachian Ministry Network, an office he was elected to by the ministers and churches of the network at the 2026 Network Conference for a four-year term.
For Reverend Watson, ministry has never been merely an occupation — it has been a way of life. He is a fourth-generation minister whose passion for serving the local church has led him to a range of ministry assignments, including youth ministry, church leadership, network ministry, and pastoral leadership.
Over the years, he has served congregations in Virginia and West Virginia, invested in generations of young people, and faithfully strengthened churches throughout the Appalachian region.
In 2006, Reverend Watson accepted the call to serve as lead pastor of St. Paul Assembly of God in St. Paul, VA. Three years later, he began what would become a seventeen-year pastoral ministry tenure at First Assembly of God in Tazewell. For twelve of those years, he also served as the leader and presbyter of the Two Virginias Section of the network. At the 2026 Appalachian Ministry Network Conference, Reverend Watson was elected Executive Secretary-Treasurer, returning to the network office where he previously served as the Network Youth and Christian Education Director from 2001-2005.
Reverend Watson completed his undergraduate studies through Bridges Christian College and Seminary, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a minor in Rural Ministries. He plans to continue his studies and to pursue a Master’s Degree.
Reverend Watson and his wife, Traci, have two married children and five grandchildren.
