SFC (Ret) James Ernest "Jim" Williamson

James (Jim) Williamson was born October 30, 1952 with his twin brother John in Mauston, Wisconsin, the family eventually totaled 13 children. They lived in various locations and later returned to Mauston. Jim and his brothers were well known for their mischievous acts throughout childhood including shaving their sister’s heads and Jim hopping a freight train downtown for candy at 5 years old. Jim met his wife Gail in the summer of 1969. He was determined to get married and left school to join the U.S. Army in December 1970 as a Communications specialist. Jim was united in marriage to Gail on March 13, 1971 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mauston after basic training. Jim was blessed with three daughters Jessica, Amy and Jill and over time six grandchildren Casandra, Marcus, Travis, Elijah, Caleb and Nicholas. During his career he was assigned to Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Germany, Georgia, Korea, Turkey and returned to Missouri in 1982 as an Engineer and retired in 1990. Through the years he finished high school, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and eventually a Master’s in Education. He and Gail coached teams from t-ball to Girl’s Softball for many years and loved every minute of it. Jim also served on various city committees in St. Robert. Jim went on to build cabinets, substitute teach, an aide in Waynesville Schools, and taught learning disabilities for almost 20 years. He also coached Waynesville High School girls and boys golf teams until he retired in 2013. Jim and Gail needed a hobby they could do together and began “flipping” houses in the Waynesville/St. Robert area in 2014 as G&J Homes. He enjoyed this hobby with his many talents through 2024 with over 25 homes completed. By far Jim’s most loved hobby was golf and he spent many years playing at Piney Golf Club especially with his brother from another mother Jerry Kraft and other daily golfers. There were games and tournaments at many locations. He was a good golfer and enjoyed nothing more than teaching others – especially his grandchildren. Jim passed away peacefully with his family around him on Thursday, November 9, 2024 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri having reached the age of 72 years. Jim was a quiet person but could be loud when necessary. He loved talking about golf and politics. Jim loved to give to others in many ways but never wanted it to be known. He loved to tease and pick on all including the grandkids but was tender hearted and loving as well. Jim leaves behind a large group including brothers Dave (Sue) Williamson, twin brother John (Barb), Mike (Suicki), Skip (Judy) and sisters Chris Stewart, Debby McDermott, Carol (Bob) Johnson, Mary (Chuck) Chenowith and Gayle (Rich) Horn. In Laws – Tom (Francine) Hovde-Girard, Barb (Ken) Wise, Roger Hovde, Mark Hovde, Cindy Hubbard and Karen (Roy) Daunhauser and many nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by infant daughter Jessica, parents Delores and John Williamson, in-laws Syd and Gwen Hovde, three brothers Joe (Dee), Brian, and Dennis Williamson, sister-in-law Shelly Lastinger, and niece Cindy Huffar. Jim felt he lived a blessed life, rolled with the bumps and bruises we all encounter and made our world a better place for many. He was hardworking, a happy napper, loved his wife and family, golf, Nakato and the lake house. Jim will be missed but his stories will continue for many years through his family and friends. There will be a memorial Golf scholarship established at the high school and benches at Piney Valley Golf course. Services were held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Howie Malone officiating. Jim's granddaughter, Casandra Hibbert, read the obituary and Jim's brother-in-law, Tom Hovde recalled his wonderful memories of Jim. The songs "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" by Boyz II Men, "Lean on Me" by Billy Withers, and "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin were played. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim Williamson to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge of St. Louis and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SFC (Ret) James Ernest "Jim" Williamson

October 30, 1952 - November 9, 2024