James Williams (1941-2019)

WILLIAMS, HADLEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/12/2019 at 14:54:24

James E. Williams passed away on August 7, 2019 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa to Eugene E. Williams and Margaret Hadley Williams on August 16,1941. He grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and graduated from Washington High School in 1959. He attended and graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

As a young boy he was into swimming, cross country, track, and wrestling. After his graduation from college, he worked for many years as an accountant with large construction companies in the Chicago area including working with the team that built the Standard Oil Building (now known as the Aon Center). He also held sales-related jobs with several other companies in Louisiana and the Houston area.

Jim wore many hats and was involved with many organizations. He was a dedicated, passionate, tenacious and caring servant of the Lord who always had the greater good at heart. He knew no stranger and would gladly strike up a conversation with anyone. If you gave him a “cause” to fight for, he would not “let down.” His persistence and big personality would eventually win people over and would help secure whatever was needed to help somebody.

Prior to being married to his wife Anna, Jim was married to his first wife Mary. Mary and Jim had 2 kids – Laurie and Jeff. On Jim’s birthday, (August 16, 1972) he, Mary and their two children were involved in a car accident that killed Mary, and pinned Jim in the car crushing his ankle. Jim’s injuries required a blood transfusion which later led to his passion for supporting The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Over the years, Jim’s commitment to encouraging blood donations has been instrumental in saving 7,035 lives.

On July 13, 1974 Jim married Anna and two additional children were later born, Katie and John. St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church has been blessed with Jim and Anna since 2004. Together they have lovingly supported one another and the congregation in ministries such as Ushers, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Petal Pushers, Street of Shoppes, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, The Hope Center and Military Coupons.

Jim was a shining example of being “Rooted in faith, Growing in community”.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Mary Alice Hall, his father Eugene E. Williams and mother, Margaret Hadley Williams. Survivors include his wife Anna M. Williams, his children: Laurie A. Rainey (John), Jeffrey W. Williams (Kerri), Katherine M. Guerra (Juan), John S. Williams (Brandi), sister Marcia A. Matheson, and eight grandchildren: Matthew, Christian, Jacob, Xavier, Andrew, Vivian, Karsyn, and Corbin. Jim would have turned 78 this year, so it seems fitting to celebrate his life on his birthday, August 16, 2019 at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Houston, Texas at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hope Center in his memory.