James L. Williamson

James L. Williamson, 84, of New Carlisle, Indiana, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born April 17, 1940, in La Porte, Indiana, the son of Lee Williamson and Eloise (Nickerson) Williamson.

A lifelong resident of the area, James graduated from Rolling Prairie High School, class of 1958, then continued his education at Michiana Business College. On Nov. 21, 1959, in Rolling Prairie, he married the love of his life, Glenna Gilchrist Williamson, who preceded him in death March 17, 2013. Together, they attended Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church and raised three incredible sons.

James had a diverse career, working as a milkman for Lenick's Dairy, as a courier for Emery Air Freight and finally, his favorite job as a bus driver for the New Prairie School District. James also owned and worked a small cattle farm, which he loved.

His passion was sports, playing basketball and baseball in high school and fast pitch softball for the Purple Martin team. He was a Cubbies and a Colts fan and he served his community by coaching American Legion and Little League baseball for 20 years.

His family, especially his grandchildren, were his life, and he relished big family gatherings around the holidays. James enjoyed eating meatloaf and chocolate cake (or any chocolate he could get his hands on) while he shared his sports wisdom, "Why'd you swing at the first pitch?" with his players and his beloved family.

James is survived by his three sons, Douglas W. (Stephanie) Williamson of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Brian (Karen) Williamson of New Carlisle, Indiana, and Allen (Brenda) Williamson of Pendleton, Indiana; grandchildren, Holly (Daren Kincaid) Williamson, Brooke (Cesar) Flores, Jesse Williamson, Ashley (B.J. Clabaugh) Williamson, Cody (Larraine) Williamson, Jason (Abbey) Williamson, Grant (Brianna Grilliot) Williamson and Katey (Anthony Phillips) Williamson; and great-grandchildren, Delilah, Haven, London, Eric, Charlee, Izaak, Kaden, Lincoln, Amelia, Adalee, Ingrid, Chris, Cesar Jr. and Daniel.

Along with his wife of 54 years, Glenna, James was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia Stayton.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, Indiana, where the family will receive friends for a viewing on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 3 p.m. until service time at 6 p.m. with Pastor JoEllyn Chadwick, Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, officiating. Cremation will follow. James will be buried with his wife at Rolling Prairie Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to give a special thanks to James' caregiver, Kelly Whitaker, for her excellent care over the past three years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James' name to the Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, 3376 E. U.S. 20, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371, or to New Prairie Schools Athletics, 5333 N. Cougar Road, New Carlisle, IN 46552.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstock funeralhome.com.