James Clayton Williams

1952 - 2011

James Clayton Williams died April 11, 2011, at his home in Fairbanks. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, at First Presbyterian Church, 547 Seventh Ave., Fairbanks.
Jim, the son of Kenneth J. and Patricia Warring Williams was born April 24, 1952, in Eugene, Ore. Jim moved to Amity at the age 14 where he graduated from Amity High School in 1970. He attended Eastern Oregon College for one year then transferred to the University of Oregon graduating in 1974. He worked for Chehalem Park & Recreation in Newberg. Jim received his master's degree from the University of Oregon in 1981.
On March 21, 1981, he married Tina C. Powers and following their marriage they moved to Coachella, Calif., where he worked as a supervisor for parks and recreation. He also worked as supervisor for the King County parks and recreation in Seattle until 1988 when he moved to The Dalles where he worked as the director for Wasco County parks and recreation until moving to Fairbanks in 1991 where he owned and operated Denali Appraisal Co.
Jim loved spending time with his family as well as fishing, the outdoors, camping, reading and loved everything to do with the University of Oregon. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fairbanks where he served as a deacon. He also was a longtime member of the Lions Club.
He is survived by his wife, Tina; daughter, Caroline Ruth Sofarelli; and son, Thomas Eugene Williams; parents, Pat and Ken Williams; brother, Chris Williams; and sister, Sue Jacob.
He was laid to rest at a graveside service on April 18 in Hopewell, Ore.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to First Presbyterian Church, Fairbanks.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes of Fairbanks and Macy & Son Funeral Home, McMinnville, Ore.