James C. Williams (1883-1942)

WILLIAMS, ORRIS

Posted By: John Davis (email)
Date: 10/28/2019 at 20:29:58

Obit posted in Ottumwa Courier March 15, 1942
J.C. Williams, Labor Leader, Dies At 58
Was Secretary Of Ottumwa Assembly
James C. Williams, 58, of 1522 West Second street, died late Saturday in Ft. Pierce, Florida after and illness on many months. "Jim" was prominent in Ottumwa labor circles, being secretary of the Ottumwa Trades and Labor assembly, and of the local chapter of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workers of North America. He had worked in the fresh meat department at John Morrell & Co. for 23 years, prior to September, 1941 when illness forced him to retire. He went to Florida in December to try to regain his health. He was born at Elliott, Missouri, May 6, 1883. His wife Gladys, survives him. Also surviving are a son, Gordon of Ottumwa; a stepson Donald Orris Ottumwa; two brothers John of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and Dave of Seattle. He was a member of the First Congregational church in Ottumwa. He was also active in music circles in the city and was a member of the Morrell male chorus. During the World war he served as a corporal in the first regiment of the Iowa cavalry. The body will arrive in Ottumwa Wednesday afternoon and will be taken to the Lester Jay funeral home. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Funeral services for James C. Williams who died Sunday at Ft. Pierre, Florida will be held Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Lester Jay funeral home, in charge of the Rev. John Blough of the First Congregational church. Burial will be in the Ottumwa cemetery. Pallbearers will be William B. Lowry, Charles Sehl, Fred Lang, John L. Wells, Fred Gooding and Francis McDavitt.