James Avery Williams “Big Jim”, 80, passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. Jim was born to Albert and Ruth Williams on October 6, 1937 in Marion County, Indiana, but has since been a long-time resident of Mobile, Alabama. He spent 30 years of his life serving his country with the United States Navy, some of which was spent fighting in the Vietnam War. He earned the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal – amongst many other medals, honors, and decorations. Big Jim was an avid volunteer in his community, being a generous and devout man. He was a volunteer with the Sheriff’s Department, and the Chaplain of the American Legion, VFW Post, and Elks Club 108.
Never wasting a moment of life, Big Jim also enjoyed song writing and singing anywhere he could, as well as spending time in fellowship at church. He also took a great interest in Native American Culture, advocating their traditions and beliefs.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ruth Williams.
He is survived by his first wife and love of his life, Georgia KinKade; his two beloved children, Stacey Williams and Laura (Steve) Wood; granddaughters, Jessica (Tyler) Rasmussen and Hannah Wood; great-grandchildren, Mason Deso, Myra Rasmussen, and Melanie Rasmussen; sister, Alice (Charles) Ellis; niece, Ruthie Ellis; nephews, Robert Ellis, Dusty Ellis, Mark Ellis (and their families); as well as a host of friends Big Jim considered family.
Visitation will be held at Pine Crest Funeral Home at 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, Alabama on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be a chapel service at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Friday, April 13, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., with a graveside at Alabama State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at 11 a.m. The family wishes to invite everyone to come and celebrate Big Jim’s life and share memories.
