James Wilson “Jim” Williams of Huntsville, Alabama passed away July 25, 2026, at the age of 91.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 68 years, Mary Jane Ohler Williams; his sons Michael (Karen) of Madison and Brian (Alana) of Huntsville; six grandchildren: Nicole of Hoover, Jessica (Wayne) of Jemison, Laura of Mobile, Mitchell(Katelyn) of Montgomery, Joshua and Katie, both of Huntsville, and step grandson John Thomas of Indianapolis. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Lily, Wilson, and Braugher; and by his brothers: Thomas, Ralph, Allen, Kenneth, Terry, Jerry, and Dennis, all of Pennsylvania, and Ronald of Illinois; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Jim was born on February 7, 1935, the second of thirteen children, to Israel and Cora (Deremer) Williams in Bedford, Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Nancy, and brothers Robert, Franklin, and Sheldon.

After graduating from Bedford High School in 1953, Jim joined the U.S. Navy where he was an aircraft electrician stationed in California and Hawaii, with missions to Japan and Korea.Following his service, he began a career in manufacturing electronic weighing systems with Allegheny Instrument Company in Cumberland, Maryland and continuing with the business to MB Electronics in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1966 there was another transfer to Huntsville, where he worked for Toroid Corporation as production manager until after his retirement in 2000.

Jim loved the Lord and his church family at Latham Church (formerly United Methodist),where he was a member for 59 years. He was a member of The Fellowship Sunday School Class, Methodist Men, Elderberries, and served actively on various committees and boards, including Farmer’s Market and delivering Meals on Wheels with Mary Jane.

Jim embraced the lessons from his childhood that gave him a deep drive and appreciation for a job done right. There were countless endeavors and projects with notable results and contributions. He had a deep love for his family, who he included in his life journey and supported unconditionally. He was a gardener, sharing the annual harvest with friends and coworkers. Jim was a Scout leader for his sons and other young men. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, and especially fishing. Jim was a traditional NASCAR fan, and he spent many evenings and weekends working and travelling as a member of Jimmy Means’ Huntsville-based Winston Cup pit crew.

Jim developed an interest in Bob Ross painting that resulted in him being certified to teach the landscape, floral, and wildlife techniques. Beginning in the 1990’s, until COVID, Jim,with Mary Jane’s administrative assistance, taught over 1,300 painting classes across North Alabama and in Fayetteville, Tennessee, at retail stores, churches, and community centers. Students would come to the various venues to experience The Joy of Painting©. In his later years, with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, and Mary Jane’s support, he participated in the Parkinson’s Dynamics Rock Steady Boxing classes.

Visitation will be from 11:00 to 1:00 on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Latham Church, with the service of celebration at 1:00. The service will be live streamed at facebook.com/lathamchurchhsv. Entombment to follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Dynamics, 2020 Steve Hettinger Drive, Huntsville, Alabama, 35801 or Latham Church – Elderberries.