James (Jim) Eric Williams, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, 68, of Columbus, GA passed away on May 4, 2024. Jim was born on May 8, 1955 to June Elmo Williams and Patricia Mae Shilts Williams in Hoersching, Austria.
After graduating from Kendrick High School, Jim served in the U.S. Army where he worked on Heavy Lift Helicopter Repair until being honorably discharged in March of 1981. Upon leaving the military, Jim started his career at J.H. Williams Tools (later becoming Snap-On Tools). He retired in 2021 after 42 years with the company.
Jim and his wife, Nancy Fincher Williams, recently celebrated 40 years of marriage, having wed in October of 1983. Together they share three children Rachel, Ethan, and Alisa.
Jim found joy in so many interests and hobbies, volunteering in several capacities throughout his life. Longest of these was his service to his home parish, The Church of the Holy Family, where he served as Eucharistic Minister and Lector for over 30 years as well as many years on the Parish Council Board.
Jim volunteered with Boy Scouts and as a youth ice hockey coach with the Columbus Hockey Association. Later also participating as a player in the adult hockey league and proudly winning the league championship in 2010.
A talented musician, Jim enjoyed playing the guitar and played the trombone in the Bob Barr Community Band and the Columbus Community Orchestra. He often practiced his trombone music in the evenings, leaving everyone in the home continuously humming Sousa Marches.
A lifelong athlete, in early adulthood Jim was a runner participating in several road races. Later in life, he found a passion for cycling and would often bike up to 80 miles a week with the Arnold Bike Club.
Jim had a wonderful sense of humor accompanied by a big, loud laugh and he loved spending time "making memories" with his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy; his three children Rachel Chambless (Richie), Ethan Williams (Heather), and Alisa Williams, his cherished, and undoubtedly favorite people, his grandchildren Elliott Chambless, Emerson Williams, and Lorelei Chambless; his dear sister, Sandra Williams Watson (Ray); his brother-in-law, Michael Fincher (Barbara), his sisters-in law, Linda Putz (Mark) and Carrie Fincher Franklin; and many loved cousins, nephews, and nieces. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sharyn Williams Norton, and his son, Jason Eric Williams.
A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Holy Family in Columbus, GA on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 2 pm with Rev. Fr. Ben Dallas and Rev. Fr. Frank Patterson presiding. The family will receive friends and family at a reception following the Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Hall on the grounds of Holy Family Church.
In remembrance of Jim's life and love, the family asks that memorials be made to The Church of the Holy Family in Columbus, GA or the Bob Barr Community Band.
