James Williams

James (Jimmy) Francis Williams was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Gene and Joyce Williams, the third of four children. He attended St. Anthony's School through the 3rd grade and Okmulgee Public Schools, graduating in 1976. In school, he was the president of his class, powderpuff football king, avid wrestler, and the local lifeguard at the Okmulgee Country Club. When sharing stories of his childhood, he often talked about family vacations to Mexico and the Grand Canyon. After graduation, Jimmy went to Oklahoma State University and joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, where he served as vice president. While attending Oklahoma State, he studied business and architecture. It was also in Stillwater where he met the love of his life, Jennifer Haley. They were married in El Reno, Oklahoma, on June 20, 1981.
Jimmy and Jennifer lived in Tulsa and Stillwater before moving to Henryetta, Oklahoma, in 1983. They raised their three children there: Brad, Tara, and Michael. Jimmy was involved with many organizations throughout his adult life. He was a proud member of St. Michael Catholic Church of Henryetta. He was a member and past president of the Henryetta Lions Club, the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce, and the Henryetta School Board. Jimmy was a Charter member of the Henryetta Optimist Club. He was a board member at the Henryetta Credit Union and First National Bank. Jimmy was also a part of numerous committees, including the Muscogee Creek Nation and HEDA. He was also instrumental in getting the Living Legends Rodeo going in Henryetta. Jimmy was awarded Henryettan of the Year in 1993.
Throughout his time on numerous boards and committees, he remained the owner and operator of Jiffy Mart and Williams Properties in Henryetta. Jimmy began working at Jiffy Mart in 1983 with his father, Gene Williams, and his uncle, Don Williams. After taking over, Jimmy continued to build the Jiffy Mart into a thriving business and Henryetta community donor for the next 40 years. He was always willing to donate and sponsor groups or anyone in need. Jennifer may have thought he wasn't retired, yet somehow with the help of his son Brad, he managed to play golf every single day before he formally retired.
Jimmy was either listening to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, or Jimmy Buffett (unless Tara had control of the radio). He and Jennifer were members of the Central Oklahoma Parrott Head Association, raising money for numerous organizations and having fun doing it. He was a loyal fan of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, attending football and basketball games with his kids for many years. He took many golfing trips with his friends around the country and enjoyed them all. Above all else, his favorite golfing buddies were his sons.
Out of all that was important to Jimmy, it was his family that everything revolved around. From watching the kids' sporting events to family vacations, he never missed an opportunity to be with his children and have fun. Once, when he was working in Arkansas for Desoto Oil and Gas Company, he found himself stuck after a massive blizzard came through. Instead of staying put and waiting for the weather to clear, he got in his truck and made the long journey home to see his wife and kids. This ordinarily 4-hour drive took Jimmy 10 hours. When asked why, all he had to say was, "I miss my family!" He was incredibly proud of his children, but his most immense joy was his grandson, Bodie Brison.
Jimmy was a loving husband, dad, papa, brother, and friend. He was a man of integrity and faith, always had a kind word to say, and was always willing to help anyone in need. During snow and ice storms, he would go into town just to see if anyone needed to be pulled out of a ditch. He enjoyed working on projects around the house with his neighbor, Bubba Harjo. When praying with his kids, he always asked God to grant them "Patience, Courage, and Wisdom." In the eyes of his children, Jimmy had them all.
It is said that St. Francis stated, "Preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words." This is one of Jimmy's favorites. Those who know him know that he lived by these words.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Joyce Williams. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Williams of Henryetta; his three children, Brad Williams of Tulsa, Tara Brison and husband Derek of Jenks; Michael Williams and wife Regan of Oklahoma City; and his grandson Bodie Brison of Jenks; his sisters Diane Ornelas and husband Steve, Trisha Cohen and husband Mitch, and Terri Gilley and husband Curtis; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and golfing buddies.
Pallbearers: Alan Johnson, Bubba Harjo, Dutch Vandenborn, John Hull, Beryl Davis, David Warden, Mike Polston, Jack Hamm, and Butch Glover.
Honorary Pallbearers: Kenny Lawrence, Joe Austin, Dexton Henderson, Dee Renshaw, Don Fisher, Nathan Myer, Mike Brian,Donnie Smith and Mike Capps
The family invites you to join them in prayer and remembrance. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, February 21st, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Henryetta, Oklahoma.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Okmulgee, OK, with Father Robert Duck presiding. Following the Mass, Jimmy will be laid to rest at the Westlawn Cemetery under the care and direction of the Rogers Funeral Home
Memorials can be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center or Henryetta Chip in Club, 30550 S. 216th Rd Henryetta, OK 74437 in memory of Jimmy.