James Williams

Williams, James
GUILDERLAND - James J. Williams, born on May 17, 1933, in Rockaway, Queens, NYC, died on June 10, 2024, at the age of 91. He was the son of Marie Louise De Vito and Charles J. Williams. He spent most of his childhood in Jackson Heights, Queens, where he attended P.S. 148 and Newtown High School. He received a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a commission as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Signal Corps, serving in Germany from, 1955 to 1957.
Jim had a diverse career, shaped by his commitment to service. As a teenager, he worked summers on farms in the Catskills. After his service in the Army, he worked with the Railroad Inspection Agency in Detroit, and then attempted cash crop farming. He then joined the Oneida County Family Court in Utica/Rome before entering into an impressive 30-year career with the New York State Division of Parole. He held parole officer and administrative positions in Auburn, Dannemora, and Albany, ultimately retiring as Area Supervisor of the Central N.Y. Bureau.
Despite the challenges of working in prisons, Jim remained steadfast in his belief in the innate goodness of humanity. He is lovingly remembered for his humility, generosity and kindness.
In retirement, Jim continued his commitment to helping others. He was a 20 year volunteer with the AARP Tax-Aide program at the Town of Guilderland library and volunteered for Healthy N.Y. and Literacy Volunteer programs. He also participated in work projects in Mexico, Central and South America with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.
To his family, Jim was often like a big kid, enjoying life with a sense of wonder and excitement. He loved to play games and especially loved to be the winner. He and his wife Carol courted over games of scrabble where she charged him of cheating with NYC slang. Whether it was a board game, touch football, or baseball, this is one area where he did not show much compassion.
James is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Carolyn (Wheeler); his four children, Kathleen (Peter Spiegel), Kevin (Gwen), Jeanne-Marie (Rhys Rosenblum), and Patricia Leone; as well as grandsons Alex, Niall, Ben, and Ethan. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Jaisle and Rosemary Bleha; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his sister Ann.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders (Doctors Without Borders Honor Donations) or Habitat for Humanity (Habitat for Humanity Honor and Memorial Gifts).