Jimmy Glen Williamson "JW"
1953-2017
It is with great sadness that the family of Jimmy Williamson announces his passing on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at age 64.
Jimmy was born June 4, 1953 in Dallas, Texas to Ragland and Ida Williamson and was raised in the small East Texas town of White Oak. Son of a home builder and florist he worked his way through school as an electrician, oil field roughneck and law clerk. Higher education at Rice University and the University of Houston Law Center prepared him for admittance to the Texas State Bar Association in 1978 and a distinguished legal career. He was certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, served as an Adjunct Professor of Law in Trial Advocacy, was Director of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and was a member of The American Board of Trial Advocates. Well respected by his peers as a man of integrity, Jimmy fought with passion and tenacity to root out injustice and to hold society accountable to the highest values of which it is capable.
Jimmy made his home in West University, and also loved his time in Crested Butte. He spent time in the community coaching his boys baseball teams and watching them participate in soccer, golf and dance. Education, personal fulfillment, individuality and fun were the cornerstones of his approach to his family as well as many neighborhood youth who knew him as an eccentric personality, candid critic and friend. He received great joy from encouraging others to think, to dream and to accomplish their goals in life.
Jimmy was a quick study on all subjects and he loved to talk! Discussions on law, politics, books, music, movies, literature, art, baseball, guns, hunting and travel were prolific. His family, lifelong friends and comrades will miss his quick wit, profound intelligence and timeless wisdom. JW was truly a one of a kind person. The legal community has lost an accomplished attorney and his personal and professional family have lost a loyal and honest leader.
Jimmy loved and honored his family and will be lovingly and forever remembered by his wife Carla, children Ragland and wife Katie, James, John, step children Michelle and husband Keith, Rees, Elizabeth and husband Josh, brother Robert and wife Carol, sister Ouida, grandchildren Anna, Ethan, Sophia, Katherine, Aubrey, Jordan, Lincoln, Sky and Erin, nephews Marcus and wife Leigh, Brian and wife Dawn, Caine, niece Courtney, and great nieces and nephews Anna, William, James, Andrew, Hayden, Sophie.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay St., Houston, TX 77024. A reception will follow at the church for the family to receive friends.
Memorial donations can be made to the Jimmy Williamson Fondren Library Endowment Fund, Friends of Fondren Library, Rice University, contact [email protected], 713-348-5157....... or the Democratic Party! ;)
Services provided by Dettling Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jimmy Williamson

Sponsored by Dettling Funeral Home.

25 Entries

Mike

November 30, 2022

Thank you for taking a chance on me Jimmy. I will forever remember our time together.

John G. Griffin

June 26, 2022

Jimmy, as I knew him high school was a bright and energetic young man. I had lost track of him until someone mentioned that he was practicing law in Houston. Sad to hear of his passing and my prayers go to the family.

Brian Neeld

August 19, 2021

I did not know you well, however enough to be sad to hear you passed. I will drink a real doctor pepper for you as well as remember time spent with your loved ones growing up plus a memorable trip to Crested Butte.

Chris Pappas

August 14, 2017

I just heard of Jimmy's death today upon returning from vacation.Jimmy was one of the premier advocates of our era with a remarkable ability to simplify even the complicated. He was a tenacious opponent,but never lost sight of what it means to be a member of the legal profession.Many great battles we waged....I will miss you. May God bless and keep you & your entire family. You were truly a difference maker. Chris Pappas & Family

Lawrence Katz

July 7, 2017

My sympathy goes out to his wife and family. I first met Jimmy in 1985. We were not close friends, but he was my client, which was very much appreciated. I give him much credit for being an excellent attorney and caring about the financial security of his family. As a career life insurance agent, I counseled with him, and he listened to me. He took action of my recommendations. His family will now be financially secure. I will never forget Jimmy for who he was and for what he accomplished in his lifetime. May he rest in peace. LARRY KATZ

H. Brad Parker

July 5, 2017

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my friend and colleague. His is another life cut short, when he had so much to contribute. I first met Jimmy in law school and we kept in touch throughout the years. He will be missed by all. My sincere condolences to the family.

Louis Williamson

July 5, 2017

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. My dad, Jimmy's Uncle Don, thought the world of Jimmy as we all did. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Louis Williamson (Cousin)

kristin kowalewski

July 5, 2017

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Thomas Willbern

July 4, 2017

Jimmy was Finest Attorney I've ever had the pleasure of Knowing, represented, been represented by, mentored by, office with, and certainly the most knowledgeable attorney I ever skied with skied with on the North Face of Crested Butte.

Rice baseball fan photo from Boca Raton, FLA

Diane Ditman

July 4, 2017

Barbara Davis

July 4, 2017

I wish I could be there with you Ouida and Robert to celebrate Jimmy's life. He was a special person and cousin. He was always there for my family when we needed him. His spirit will live on in those whose lives he touched.

Anne Singleton

July 3, 2017

Deepest condolences to James (son) and his family during this sad time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Roger

July 3, 2017

Jimmy was a down to earth, exceptionally bright, honest, fair and an extraordinarily talented lawyer. Jimmy always seemed to be on the right side and was always willing to help those in real need.

His early loss is not only tragic for all his family, but also for the world around us - but his presence with us was a blessing that made the world a better place.

John Griffin

July 3, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family of Jimmy Williamson with whom I attended White Oak High School together. He was a bright and engaging person, and had become quite a trial lawyer in his adult life.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

John G. Griffin

Ben Brint

July 2, 2017

Knew Jimmy and his family well. The world is a little better place since they have come through it.

mary PEPPER

July 2, 2017

Rags Williamson and JW built my house in 1985.They were very nice people.
My best wishes and Prayers for the family and friends of Jimmy Williamson.May he rest in peace

Kelly Jones

July 2, 2017

Sure am thinking of all the family and know how proud you are of the legacy Jimmy created.

Jim Dunn

July 2, 2017

Jimmy was a brilliant, funny and very caring person. My prayers and condolences to his family.

S Whitfield

July 2, 2017

Dear Robert and family,
We send our love and sympathy. Praying for your comfort and strength.
Much love,
Stacy & Susan Whitfield

Charles and Kathy Cannon

July 2, 2017

To the Williamson Family. Please know that Charles and I are deeply sorry reguarding the loss of Jimmy. He was a fine man and will be extremely missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you.

Craig Van De Mark

July 1, 2017

An exceptional lawyer. Condolences to Jimmy's family.

Craig Van De Mark

July 1, 2017

An exceptional lawyer. Condolences to Jimmy's family.

Jean Burg

July 1, 2017

I will miss Jimmy's quick wit and wonderful stories.

Tasso

July 1, 2017

Rest in Peace Old Rice Owl!