James Thomas Williams of Tuttle, OK has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
Here is what we wish the world to know of James.
James held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Belief, when lived, becomes a kind of inheritance.
James Thomas Williams, 95, passed away on May 5, 2026. He was born April 27, 1931 to Iman and Etta Williams near Newalla, OK. He was the last surviving child of seven siblings. He married Mary Duckwall and fathered four children.
His early employment included many years in the Terrazzo flooring business. Several Oklahoma City landmarks such as First National Bank in downtown OKC, Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, numerous churches and high school entryways house his work. Later he went on to work at Dayton Tire and then retired from General Motors in 1996.
James loved pheasant hunting in Nebraska with his lifelong buddies from high school, bowling, tinkering on cars and took pride in his El Caminos.
James remarried in 1976 to Colleen McPherson. They celebrated 30 years of marriage before her passing in 2009.
James was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, two wives, and three children: Pamela Williams, Tommy Williams, and David Williams.
He is survived by a son, Sidney Williams and wife Denise; daughter-in-law, Eydie and Jose Colon; stepdaughter, Tracey Hilgenberg; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
James was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wheatland where he met his companion, Jane Durham. They spent the remaining years of his life enjoying each other's company. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Buddy.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Viewing at Mercer-Adams is Friday, 10am-8pm, with family present from 5-8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 9, at Mercer-Adams Chapel. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle, OK.
