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James Williams-Ness Obituary
May 20, 2022
James Williams-Ness, 52, a gentleman and resident of Litchfield, Connecticut, passed away with family members by his side at Maine Medical Center on May 20, 2022, after a sailing accident off the coast of Maine doing what he loved best with his dearest friend in the world. He is predeceased by his mother Christine V. Ness, "Cricket," aunt Patty Vanderwarker, and survived by his wife Shane Williams-Ness, daughter Adeline (Addie), father Alexander "Sandy" H. Williams III and his wife, Monica Williams of Chicago, IL, stepmother, Caroline Williams of Princeton, NJ, beloved stepfather Peter S. Ness of Greenwich, CT, brother Alexander H. Williams IV, his wife Judy of Portland, OR, and sister Ashley Williams Madden and husband, John C. Madden, JR of Denver, CO, uncle Richard Dean Vanderwarker, "Skip," of Spring Island, SC and cherished nieces and nephew who made him immensely proud as well as close Vanderwarker cousins.
James was born on March 9, 1970, in Evanston, Illinois. In 1978, after several moves between Darien, CT and Fort Green, Brooklyn, the family settled in Greenwich, Connecticut where Jamie attended Brunswick School before going on to Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1989. He then went to Union College, finishing in 1993 with a degree in History and German Literature.
Jamie's deep imagination, curiosity and graciousness showed brightly in his early childhood. By the time he was a young adult, Jamie had become a gourmet chef, reading cookbooks like novels. He was a host to many, known for his hospitality, kind demeanor and stylish flare. He was devoted to his Ness grandparents, Phil and Nancy Ness of Greenwich, CT, legally adding their name to his at the age of 18 to honor them and his stepfather, Peter Ness. He was a volunteer fireman in Deerfield, Ma and Greenwich, CT as a young man.
After graduation, Jamie embarked on his career, focusing on media research. Jamie and Shane married in 1999. They lived in Boston, Singapore, Saratoga Springs, NY and Manhattan, where Jamie later assumed the role of Vice President at Nielsen Media. Jamie was a member of The West Chop Club on Martha's Vineyard and Litchfield Country Club in Litchfield, CT.
In 2020, Jamie, Shane and Addie settled in Litchfield, Connecticut, where Jamie loved to cook and spend time watching his daughter race with the Litchfield Rowing Club, active as a parent eager to jump in and help move a boat. He was an avid runner and had qualified for both the New York City and Berlin marathons; Jamie was a courteous tennis player, squash player and golf lover.
A service at their family's church, The Church of Heavenly Rest in New York is planned for June 24 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to one another as was Jamie's moto, one never knows what one is going through, so do be kind. And if so moved, consider a donation in Jamie's name to Litchfield Hills Rowing Club www.litchfieldhillsrowing.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Williams-Ness
Steph
May 21, 2025
That smile!
Doug Gortner
January 19, 2025
I knew him during his time at Deerfield. He was a good man. Requiescat in pace.
Stephanie G Keener
July 16, 2022
Thank you for thinking of others in your most difficult time.
Jed Meyer
June 27, 2022
I was a friend and colleague with James at Nielsen and he was then my rep when I went over to the client-side of the business. I always appreciated James' collaborative style and his great way with people. I am so sorry for your loss and I share my deepest condolences with Shane, Addie and his entire family.
Leon Bailey
June 24, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family
Ngan Nguyen
June 21, 2022
Shane, my heart goes out to you and Addie during this most difficult time. May Jamie rest in peace and love. Sending love and prayers.
Lisa Hill
June 13, 2022
Shane - My heart goes out to you and Addie on the unimaginable loss of your dear husband. I remember well Jamie's kindness, sense of humor and devotion to you both. Sending prayers and strength to you. ~ Lisa Hill
Pat Friese
June 10, 2022
I have not had the pleasure of seeing Jamie for a number of years since he and Shane moved from Saratoga Springs, but that beautiful smile is what I most remember. Jamie´s beautiful being , his smile and kindness live on.
With much love to Shane and Addie.
Pat Friesen
Fran O'Rourke
June 9, 2022
Shane, I am so sorry. What a beautiful tribute. May the beautiful memories sustain you.
Jackie Meyer
June 9, 2022
Dear Shane,
Please know that you and Addie are in my thoughts and prayers.....
Sending Love and Hugs!
~Jackie
Annamaria Bellantoni
June 8, 2022
Shane, I am so deeply saddened and sorry to learn of the loss of your husband. Please know that I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Roach Carr
June 6, 2022
I am so sorry for your incredible loss, Shane and Addie. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. Sending all my love.
Sanjeev Sherchan
June 6, 2022
Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time, Shane san.
Allison Pontius, Alain Polynice and Avery Polynice
June 3, 2022
To Shane and Addie,
We have so many special memories of Jamie when Addie and Avery were young. He always had a smile on his face and seemed to enjoy every moment to the fullest. He was so kind and inviting to our family. Avery said he always called her "Aves" and she loved the nickname. Now she says no one else can call her by that nickname because it belongs only to Jamie. He will be missed. We send you our love and deepest condolences.
Julie Riley
June 2, 2022
Every time I met with James, I came away knowing more than I did before. His knowledge knew no bounds and he was always ready to share it. But more importantly, his kindness is what I remember the most.
Jon May
June 1, 2022
James hired me into Research at Time Warner in 2007. He was a terrific guy and a terrific boss as well. I liked him very much and was VERY sorry to hear of his passing. Ironically, I heard of this tragedy just as I was hired in to Client Services at Nielsen, so we were going to be "co-workers" again.
My sincere condolences, sympathies and prayers to Shane and Addie and the entire family. He will be truly missed.
Katherine Fila
May 31, 2022
I worked with James at Nielsen. We negotiated a very difficult business contract together over the course of six months. Throughout the negotiation, James was supportive, strategic, and principled in how he conducted himself. When I felt defeated, he bolstered me. James had a buoyant demeanor and was skilled at riding things out without getting rattled. James had a significant impact on me professionally even though we only worked together for a short period of time. I will remember his kindness, warm smile, and his ability to make others feel valued.
Judy Aronstamm
May 31, 2022
Shane, although I knew you for only a brief time during your tenure at SPAC, my heart goes out to you and Addie. I simply can’t imagine your grief and hope that your many wonderful memories will bring you some comfort in this very difficult time.
Mary Jo Powelson
May 31, 2022
Shanie and Addie,
I am so very sorry. Jamie was such a kind, considerate man. Our family was blessed when he joined us.
We will never forget what a wonderful, fun filled wedding you had. You both made it such a special time for all of us. The kindness that was shared, continued with all of us in all the wonderful years since.
Jamie was a true gentleman and friend to all.
Prayers and hugs are with you.
We love you.
Cousin Josie
Jane Daley
May 31, 2022
What a sweet heart of a man, so smart, funny and kind. Shane, I am so deeply sorry for your immense loss. I feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with the 2 of you. Such great people. Thinking of you, Jane and Tom
Greg Hartch
May 30, 2022
My sincerest condolences. Jamie was a friend growing up in Greenwich at Brunswick School. He was always a kind and good-natured friend and classmate. In recent years, I saw him periodically when he visited his stepfather Peter who was so very proud of him. May he rest in peace in heaven.
Beth Smith
May 30, 2022
A very special tribute to a very special man. Shane and Addie, my deepest condolences to you and to the rest of Jamie's loved ones. I hope that your many loving memories of Jamie can bring you some comfort as you grieve his loss. Although way too short, his was truly a life well-lived. May he rest in peace.
Nadia Kekwick
May 30, 2022
Our deepest sympathies Shane and Addie.
Jamie was truly one of the loveliest and kindest people we've ever met.
We have such very fond memories of our time in Singapore and the adventures we enjoyed.
One of a kind, a true gentleman - an absolute blessing to have met and known him.
All our love and thoughts are with you.
David & Nadia Kekwick
Donna Padilla
May 29, 2022
Our deepest condolences.
Nancy Stevens
May 29, 2022
Our deepest sympathies to all of Jamie´´s family.
With much sorrow and love,
Nancy and Bruce Stevens
Casey Congel
May 29, 2022
Dearest Shane,
I know there are no words to heal your pain but I want you to know that I am praying for you and Addie. You will always be my childhood best friend - time or distance doesn´t diminish love. Jamie will be remembered to all who knew him as an amazing person.
Ann Marie Lizzi
May 29, 2022
I am so deeply saddened to hear this Shane. Gone much too soon. My sincerest sympathies. James was a wonderful guy and a delight to work with. Much, much love to you, Addie and your family. And much love to our Time Warner family who mourn with you. I will forever remember his wonderful smile, sense of humor and kindness.
Drew Jacobs
May 29, 2022
James and I worked together at Time Warner Advertising in the early 2000s. Always a gentleman a confidant, and a Mets fan, we enjoyed and laughed about work together. Please accept my condolences to Shane, Addie and his entire family.
Bernard McCann
May 29, 2022
Dear Shane,
Please know we are thinking of you at this time of your loss. You and your daughter will be in my and all the McCann Clan's prayers. You are still part of that Clan and always will be.
Bernie
Jim Millis
May 29, 2022
I am deeply saddened by this news. Every once in a while you are lucky enough to meet someone like James. Caring, funny, thoughtful, he was one of my favorite co-workers of all time. I hope the Shane and family can find peace with such a loss.
Lori A Baister
May 28, 2022
Shane and Addie,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of James. We worked together for many years at Time Warner. James was very kind and good hearted. I remember house sitting for your cats in Saratoga Springs, while you both were away. The memory that remember most often was how he spoke so highly of you, Shane and your then, new baby daughter, Addie. You were the light of his life. What a tragic loss. Sending along healing prayers to you and your family. He will be with you both always.
Much Love, Lori Baister
Andrea Spungen
May 28, 2022
That is an absolutely beautiful tribute to what sounds like a true scholar and a gentleman. Shane, I knew you for a brief time at SPAC...my heart just brakes for you and Addie who I remember as a toddler.
Tamie Ehinger
May 27, 2022
Beautifully written. A lovely tribute to an amazing man.
Erika Morris
May 27, 2022
Jamie was a wonderful and kind soul who touched everybody around him. I feel lucky to have known him. He was an inspiration for his love for his family. My deepest condolences to Shane, Addie and your family.
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