James S. Williams

James S. "Jim" Williams, 62, of Junction City, died Friday, July 25, 2014 at his home. Jim was born Feb. 14, 1952 in Meridian, Mississippi, the son of Percy & Bertha "Betty" (Ledbetter) Williams. He graduated from East Jefferson High School in Harahan, LA., attending Moody Bible Institute prior to entering the U.S. Army. He was a seven year veteran of the U.S. Army stationed in Okinawa, Japan where he met his wife. After his military service, he continued his education and received a Bachelor's degree from Tabor College in Hillsboro Kansas and a Master's Degree from Jane Addams College of Social Work in Chicago, IL.

Jim was a School Social Worker for U.S.D. 475 and taught "Love & Logic" Parent Classes for over ten years though the school district. Jim was an advocate for pulmonary fibrosis research and was the leader of the Geary County Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group.

Though he suffered for fourteen years with Pulmonary Fibrosis, he has found the ultimate healing and is in heaven now. After serving his country in the military, his faith led him to become a school social worker, blessing the lives of countless children and parents. He was devoted to his family and grandchildren and his love, compassion and humor will be greatly missed until we see him again.

Jim and his wife considered the Junction City Church of the Nazarene their church home.

Jim married Kathy McIntosh on September 25, 1974 in Okinawa, Japan. He is survived by his wife of 39 years; a son, Andrew Williams and his wife Sarah, Simpsonville, South Carolina; 3 daughters, Heidi Williams, Junction City, Heather Williams, Olathe, and JoAnna Williams, Manhattan; his mother, Betty Williams, Harahan, LA.; 2 brothers, Bill Williams, Spain, and John Williams, Harahan, LA.; 2 sisters, Patricia Kuby, Decatur, AL., and Betty Jean Loop, Dalles, Oregon; and 2 granddaughters, Alexandria and Emma Williams. Jim was preceded in death by his father, a brother, Robert Williams, and a daughter, Suzanne Williams.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Riley, Manhattan with Pastor Enola Leonard presiding. The family will greet friends and members of the community at a visitation on Tuesday evening, July 29, at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington, Junction City. Memorial contributions can be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or Caring Voice Coalition, sent in care of the funeral home.