James "Jim" Bernard Williams Jr., age 70, of Lebanon, Tennessee passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022. Jim was born on November 23, 1952 in Portsmouth, Virginia to parents, Elisa and James B. Williams, Sr.
Jim was a quiet, gentle man. His daughter-in-law, Megan, says he quickly made her feel like she'd always been a part of the family. His children - Emory, Rachel, and Annelisa - remember his ability to deliver the perfect bad joke for every wrong occasion and how he seemed to know something about almost every topic. He was a very handy man who could fix just about anything and was an IT geek before IT was cool. He was a "behind the scenes" guy who kept everything and everyone else running. Jim was the grandson of immigrants--Irish on his father's side and Italian on his mother's. He was a Director of IT for Bellsouth Advertising and Publishing. He enjoyed sailing, rowing, and sporty cars.
Jim loved his family well and deeply, and was so excited to welcome his first grandchild, Carter, just a few weeks ago. He loved Jesus in just the same way: quietly, deeply, and faithfully. The family misses him, but are already laughing as they recall many funny memories and smiling at the thought of him cracking jokes to the other saints who have greeted him in glory.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, James Bernard Williams, Sr.; and his mother, Elisa (Germano) Williams. He is survived by his loving wife of almost thirty years, Joanna Ray Williams; son, Emory Williams (Megan); daughters Rachel Williams and Annelisa Williams; grandson, Carter Williams; sister, Sandi Fraser; nephew, Steve Fraser; and niece, Stacy Cowart.
There will be a time of visitation with the family on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Church of the Redeemer, 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204], (615) 383.9888, at 1pm. The Funeral Service will begin at 2pm with the Rev. Sarah Puryear and the Rev. Kenny Benge, officiating. A reception will follow. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Williams family at www.HermitageFH.com.
