James Joseph Williams

Joe (also known as Jim by many colleagues and friends) went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 19 after a valiant four-year battle with cancer.

Joe was born on March 19, 1930, in Lincoln Park, MI, the 3rd of 13 children to James and Catherine Williams. He lived in Byron Center and Grand Rapids for most of his years after serving in the Air Force during the Korean War. James was preceded in death by his parents: James and Catherine, and his brothers, Larry, Ed, and Fran. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Paula Joan (Pitsch), son Brian (Jane Miller), and daughters Stephanie (Hans Karsten), Marie (Kevin Crowston), and Christa (David French); grandchildren: Nathan, Brett, Bridget, Bryce, Colin, Sasha, Rowan James; his siblings: Mary Jane (Brantley) Yarrington; Tom (Louise), Gerald (Theresa), Rita (John Gill), Ken (Helen), Sr. Catherine, Sr. Jean, Sr. Joan, Sr. Joyce; in law: Arlene Pitsch, Wally Pitsch (Joan), Ron Pitsch (Dorothy); numerous family members and friends who will miss his good heart, his good head for all things mechanical, and his card playing skills.

Joe worked for Smiths Industries (formerly known as Lear Siegler) for 40 years as an electronics designer. In his retirement Joe kept very busy. He was a long-time member of the St. Robert of Newminster choir. He volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, avidly played bridge, tennis, downhill skied, and helped build experimental aircraft. His grandchildren can attest to his passion for sharing the finer points of tennis, bridge, ping-pong, euchre, sailing, skiing, or just generally spoiling them with the kind of attention only a good grandparent can provide. He loved to watch his grandchildren play sports and perform music.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am Thursday at St. Sebastian Catholic Church with Msgr. William Duncan celebrant. Burial will be at Visitation Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm with a 6 pm Vigil Service, at the Cook Funeral Home Byron Center, 2067 84th St. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookfuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's name to St. Sebastian's (Byron Center) Building fund, St. Robert of Newminster Building fund, or Camp Michigania.

Visitation September 21, 2011 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th St. SW Byron Center, MI

Funeral Service September 22, 2011 10:30 AM St. Sebastian Catholic Church 9408 Wilson Ave. SW Byron Center, MI

Interment Visitation Cemetery - Dorr 2546 Ottogen Dorr, MI

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th St. SW Byron Center, MI