James Ladner Williams' Obituary
It is with deeply heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Ladner Williams, affectionately known as "Jim" by family and friends. Born on September 26, 1953, in Washington, D.C., Jim moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his parents—Julian E. and Elizabeth C. Williams—when he was four years old and resided there for the remainder of his life.
He graduated from Hale High School in 1971, where he played on the golf team and played the saxophone for the school’s marching band. After graduation, Jim attended Northeast Oklahoma A&M with a partial golf scholarship before graduating from the University of Tulsa, where he was a walk-on for the university’s golf team. Jim graduated from TU with a B.A. in Business.
Beginning in the heat exchanger business, most of Jim’s career was spent as a purchasing agent in the aerospace industry, employed by McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and Triumph Group. In his free time, Jim was an avid golfer, who played regularly for most of his life. He also faithfully supported his sons’ various sporting events throughout their childhoods.
Jim lived to serve his family and did so on a daily basis as an excellent, devoted husband and father. His wife, sons, and family had the highest respect for him. He was the most selfless man they have ever known. Most importantly, Jim was a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ. He studied the Bible daily, always endeavored to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, and shared Him with everyone he knew. His staunch faith was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Jim’s legacy will be carried on by his loving wife of 37 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” Williams; a younger brother, Stephen Williams; son Benjamin Williams, daughter-in-law Ashley Martin Williams; son Drew Williams; and one grandchild, Abigail Williams. He also leaves behind many other friends and family members who loved him dearly.
Jim was surrounded by his wife and children as he passed peacefully into Heaven on December 10, 2024. Jim touched the lives of many with his incredible spirit and he will be forever missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A memorial service to honor the life of Jim will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, located at 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Jim's service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking on the the following link: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/107476
Those wishing to send flowers for the service may do so by calling Floral Designs by Floral Haven at (918) 459-1525. Independent florists may deliver flowers directly to Floral Haven Funeral Home by 2:00 PM on Friday, December 27, 2024, in order for them to be set out and properly displayed for Jim's memorial service in a timely manner.
Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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