John Joseph "JJ" Williams (Maj. USAF Ret)

John Joseph “JJ” Williams (Maj. USAF Ret) passed away on September 28, 2020, at his home in San Antonio, TX following a 16-year struggle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife, Helene; his three children, John (Jeannie), Erin (Rudy Ibarra), and MaryShannon; his five grandchildren, Megan (Wayne Scott), Madison (Roy Russell), Genna, Graciela, Giuliana; and three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Phoebe, & Avery.

JJ was born in Chicago to Burrell C. Williams, Jr. and Dorothy McCarthy Williams on July 13, 1942. As one of nine children, JJ ‘s appointment to the Air Force Academy offered him the unique opportunity for a college education. He graduated with the Class of 1964, 7th Squadron, of which he was an enthusiastic participant. JJ played freshman football at the Academy until he broke both of his ankles and a wrist while scoring a touchdown in goal line drills. A career offensive lineman, he figured that he would end his playing career on a high note. He married Helene in 1965 while attending graduate school at University of Illinois – Champaign Urbana. He earned his Master of Industrial Engineering in 1966.

JJ served 20 years in the US Air Force as a management engineering/manpower officer, stationed at Tempo E; Washington, DC; Andrews; USAFA (Superintendent’s Staff); Bitburg; Ellsworth; Kelly; Osan AFB before retiring in 1984. Post retirement, JJ worked at USAA for 15 years as a management engineer. He served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio for eight years, teaching math and statistics until he received his cancer diagnosis.

JJ loved God, his wife, his family, his friends, and the entire Air Force family. He was an impressive story and joke-teller and well known for the telling of epic poems learned at the knee of his father. Enjoy a cigar and hoist a fine scotch to his memory. He will be interred at USAFA at a later date (JJ’s loving family).

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to the following charities in JJ’s name:

ThriveWell Cancer Foundation - https://thrivewell.org/donate-today/

OR

OLPH St. Vincent De Paul Society - send checks ℅ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church - 16075 N Evans Rd, Selma, TX 78154

His service was livestreamed and can be viewed below: