James Lee Williams

May 6, 1936 - October 19, 2024

U .S. Veteran

James Lee Williams of the Villages, Florida, passed away at his home on October 19, 2024. His loss was completely unexpected, and his family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. He was 88 years old.

Jim was born in Potsdam, New York on May 6,1936 to Marian and James Williams. He was one of three siblings who he loved very much; his brother David Williams (Wilmington, Delaware) and sister Phyllis Hjelmar (Manchester, New Jersey)

In September of 1954 Jim entered Clarkson College in Potsdam, New York as a chemical engineering student. After completing the first year, he was drafted and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy (1955-1957). Jim's ship was the USS Rushmore. Upon discharge Jim returned to college and received a BS in mathematics from SUNY Oneonta, New York.

Jim had a fulfilling career. In 1963 he was hired to teach mathematics at Newburgh Free Academy, Newburgh, New York. He spent 35 years (1962-1997) in education as a high school teacher and as an adjunct professor at two colleges, New Paltz and Mount Saint Mary. He received degrees in mathematics from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island (1967). He also received a grant to attend the University of Oklahoma for computer programming (1970). In 1982 he received school district administrator and supervisor degrees at SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, New York.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was kind and thoughtful. He had strong values and was liked by everyone. If you needed help, you could count on Jim to be there for you. He will be missed and remembered by the many lives he touched.

Jim lived a good life; he enjoyed square dancing and belonged to several clubs, often attending out of state dance weekends and dance conventions. He was an expert skier and a member of three clubs, skiing the mountains of Canada, New England, California, Nevada and Colorado. During his retirement years living in Florida, he enjoyed a good game of golf, and played several times a week; it was his happy place.

Jim was an active member of the "Villages Honor Flights" honoring our veterans by transporting these heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their monuments.  He volunteered at fundraisers and monthly veterans lunches. He was a guest on mission 47 (September 18, 2019) to Washington, D.C. He often said "It was the best day of his life - except for his wedding day".

This past year Jim joined "The Veterans Memorial Park Honor Guard" which conducts ceremonies for veterans throughout the year. As a new member Jim had the privilege and honor to participate in the following ceremonies:

March 29 - "Welcome Home Vietnam Vets"

May 18 - "Armed Forces Day"

May 27 - "Memorial Day"

June 14 - "Flag Day", flag folding presented and laying of a wreath.

Jim had a strong commitment to "Flags for the Fallen Vets" each Memorial Day at Bushnell National Cemetery, where almost 200,000 flags are placed, the name of each person laid to rest is spoken and thanked for their service. Jim was faithfully dedicated to honoring our fallen every year.

Jim's loving spirit is survived by his wife Maryann, his siblings David Williams and sister-in-law Patsy Williams; and Sister Phyllis Hjelmar; his children, Daughter Deborah Lovgren and son Jess Franklin Williams and daughter-in-law Beverly Williams; son James Michael Williams and daughter- in-law Christine Williams; his seven grandchildren: Melissa, Brionna, Eric, Connor, Tara Joann, Ryan, and Alek; three great-grandchildren: Hazel, Luke and Lily Grace. He is also survived by his stepdaughters Jennifer and Danielle Gentile along with one step granddaughter, Ella Joy Gentile.

Along with his parents Jim is reunited in his passing with his brother-in-law, Roy Hjelmar.

Jim's final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through tissue donation for the advancement of medicine.

Jim will be forever loved and missed by his family and all who knew him.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 2 - 4 PM at Brooks Funeral Home, Newburgh, NY.

The interment of his ashes, with military honors will take place on May 2, 2025 at 2 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102 Ave, Bushnell, Florida 33513.