James “Jimmy” Michael Williams, 66, went to live with the Man upstairs on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012.

Jimmy was born in San Francisco, Calif., on April 29, 1946, to James Lee Williams and Clara Mae Christy and spent most of his childhood days in Artesia, N.M. He attended high school at Denton High School and graduated in May of 1964. He was a stellar athlete, excelling in four sports at DHS, and earned the opportunity to play football under the great Darrel Royal at the University of Texas.

He enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps in 1966 and served one tour of duty in the Vietnam War. He loved the game of golf and never missed an opportunity to watch and cheer on his children and grandchildren, no matter how far the drive. Jimmy was a dedicated family man who enjoyed the company of all that he knew, and would never hesitate to strike up a conversation with someone he didn’t. He was very in touch with nature, seemed to know every back road in the great state of Texas, and loved turning a 30 minute trip into a two hour one. Jimmy prided himself on striving to be the best husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and most importantly friend, that he could be. He had the kindest heart, the gentlest touch and a smile and laugh that couldn’t be ignored.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Brian Williams; and son, Jacob Williams.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Williams of Brownwood; children, Doug and Elias Williams of Cleburne, Texas, and Stillwater, Okla., Chris and Michael Kidd of Chandler, Texas; siblings, Mark and Keitha Williams of Denton, Mike and Susan Costin of Houston, Celena Williams of Buda, and Venita Williams of Denton; and grandchildren, Wesley Cy and Emily Morgan Williams. He also had numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and close family friends whom he considered family.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in the Leadership Lodge at the Texas 4H Camp and Conference Center at Lake Brownwood, Texas.