Jimmie Wayne Williams

JIM WILLIAMS

It is with great sadness that the family of Jimmie Wayne Williams, affectionately known as "Big Jim," announces his peaceful passing on July 3, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was surrounded by the love of his family at the time of his death.

Jim was born on May 29, 1939, in Depew, Oklahoma, to Raymond and Ruby (Clonts) Williams. During World War II, while his father Raymond was assigned to the 104th Infantry Division, Jim and his family lived in Stroud, Oklahoma. After his father’s death in WWII, Ruby and her family moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma, and then La Junta, Colorado. When Jim was thirteen, they returned to Kay County, making Newkirk, Oklahoma, their home. It was there Jim met the love of his life, Kathryn Jo Suedmeier.

Jim and Kate graduated with the class of 1957 of Newkirk High School. Jim furthered his education at Oklahoma State Technical College, graduating in 1959. On May 15, 1959, Jim and Kate were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Newkirk. They soon relocated to Hobbs, New Mexico, where Jim began his career with Watson Supply. Hobbs is also where their son, Jeffrey was born. In 1961, Jim, Kate and Jeff returned to Newkirk, and Jim started working for Wilkins Equipment in Ponca City. In 1970, Jim’s enterprising spirit led him to establish Truck and Tractor Service in Newkirk. For many years, he and his team provided essential diesel, heavy equipment, tractor, and trucking repair services to numerous clients, until his retirement in 1997.

After retiring, Jim and Kate moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to be closer to their son, Jeff, and his family. Las Vegas held a special place in Jim's heart, as he cherished his time living there. When Jeff relocated with his family, Jim and Kate returned to Newkirk, residing there until 2024, when they once again joined Jeff and his family in Fort Worth, Texas. No matter where they lived, Jim was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He served several years with the Newkirk Lions Club and as a Trustee of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Jim stature was as big as his jokes, sarcasm, and hugs…. but was not nearly as big as the size of his heart. He loved deeply and cherished his family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Raymond, mother, Ruby, brother, Jerry Williams, sister, Patsy Daniel, grandson, Reid Williams and great-granddaughter, Lily Leaming.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Kathryn Williams; his son, Jeff Williams (Sue Ann); his daughter, Amy Leaming; his grandson, Garrett Williams (Amy), and granddaughter, Kaylee Leaming (AJ Payne). He also leaves behind the cherished gift of his great-grandchildren, whom he absolutely adored: Haydon Leaming, Greyson and Cole Williams, Ryker Leaming, Owen Payne, and Addison Payne. Jim is also survived by his sister, Betty Greenwood, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name, may be made to; St. John’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 290, Newkirk, OK 74647, or Messiah Lutheran Church, 1308 Whitley Dr., Keller, TX 76248.

Services for Jim will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Graveside services will follow directly at the Newkirk Cemetery.