James Norman "Jim" Williams Jr.

James Norman Williams, Jr., "Jim," 81, entered eternal life on December 7, 2024. He was born in Cannelton, Indiana on March 27, 1943. As a child, Jim was a choir boy at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in Louisville, Kentucky. Raised in Jeffersonville, Indiana, he graduated from Jeffersonville High School as the valedictorian of the Class of 1961. After attending one year at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, Jim completed his bachelor's degree in History and Economics at Indiana University, graduating a year early in 1964, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. In Bloomington, Jim met the love of his life, Barbara and they married in 1965.
In 1967, Jim earned his law degree from the University of Chicago and began practicing law with the Louisville firm of Wyatt, Grafton & Sloss (now Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs). Jim was a lawyer for 45 years where he represented numerous clients including the Louisville Medical Center, the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant Reuse Authority (now River Ridge Development Authority) and Greater Clark County Schools. Jim worked on projects that define Louisville's and Jeffersonville's skylines today, including Slugger Field and the Harbors Condominiums. Jim was admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of Indiana and Kentucky, and the United States Supreme Court. Jim was also a Kentucky Colonel.
After graduating law school, Jim and Barbara moved to Jeffersonville. Jim gave back to his church and community by serving on countless boards including The Louisville Orchestra, WKPC Public Television, the Clark County Youth Shelter, Leadership Southern Indiana, Haven House Services, the Clark County Public Defender Board, New Hope Services, Inc., and Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church Education Committee. Jim was most proud of his appointment to the Indiana State Ethics Commission in 2001. Jim retired from the Louisville firm of Middleton & Reutlinger in 2012 after which he became a doting grandfather, lovingly spoiling his four grandchildren. Jim bravely and prayerfully battled Alzheimer's disease in his later life. Barbara cared for Jim at home (even through COVID) for all but five months of Jim's final twelve years. Jim and Barbara were a moving example of their vow to love each other "in sickness and health." Jim never lost his loving, cheerful spirit. Even though the disease robbed him of his ability to speak, he greeted his family on his last Thanksgiving with a smile and a thumbs up.
Jim was predeceased by his infant daughter, Mary Williams, and parents, James N. Williams, Sr. and Wanda G. Williams. Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara K. Williams; sons Kyle P. Williams (Janée) and Matthew M. Williams; and grandchildren, Patrick, Jay, Sarah Kate and Charley.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville, Indiana. The funeral Mass will be on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 316 N. Sherwood Ave., Clarksville, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.
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