James R. Williams, 90
Published 9:51 am Wednesday, December 17, 2014
James R. Williams, 90, died on Dec. 14, 2014, in Sun City West, Arizona.
Williams
He was born March 3, 1924, in Fedora South Dakota to Andrew and Bernice (Tanzy) Williams.
Jim was the youngest of four children. In June 1943, while enlisted as a pilot for the United States Army Air Corp, he married Phyllis LaVay Threadgold, his life-long partner of 71 years. They moved to Austin, Minnesota, in 1948 after graduating from the University of South Dakota.
He was employed by Hormel Foods as a foreman, supervisor, and superintendent of the hog cutting operation until retiring in 1983. The first 15 years he lived in Sedona, Arizona, thereafter moving to Sun City West.
Jim loved to golf, play bridge, dance, travel, and spend time with family. He served as exalted ruler of the Austin Elks Club while living in Minnesota. Jim was a caregiver for nine years for his wife with Alzheimer’s prior to his death.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters; and his oldest son, Richard K. Williams.
Survivors include sons: Michael H. Williams, (Jane) of Austin, Minnesota, Mark (Cheri) Williams of Tonganoxie, Kansas; and daughter, Robin Gearhart (Bob) of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughter-in-law Bonnie Williams of Sun City West, Arizona; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. Contributions in memory of Jim may be made at either Serenity House (Hospice), 13951 W Meeker Blvd. Sun City West, AZ 85375, or to Alzheimer’s Association, 1028 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006.