James Watson was nearing his birthday before he was shot and killed, police say, by Mason James Lira on Wednesday.
In a post on the GoFundMe page, Watson's son Johnny says his dad was loved dearly.
"He was born in Kentucky. He loved the Eagles, watching John Wayne movies, and of course listening to the king, Elvis Presley," Watson stated.
Investigators say James Watson was shot and killed in an unprovoked attack by Lira in the area of 8th and Pine in Paso Robles before later shooting at the police department and a San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputy.
Watson's memorial had raised more than $4,600 as of Friday morning.
"He was protective of his family, a kindhearted and loving big brother to his 4 sisters. He would give the biggest bear hugs every time he seen one of his sisters no matter what, sometimes his sisters disliked getting them because he would pick them up and hug them too tight," the post stated. "Although they would give anything to have one more hug now. He loved his family more than life itself and everyone knew it. He was an awesome man, he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need even after being down on his luck, he was just that kind of man. He was very strong in his Christian faith and believed in the power of prayer. We all loved him dearly."
Read more: Paso Robles shooting suspect killed; investigators now working to determine motive
