James Clifton Williams II

1948 - 2022

James C. Williams, II.

James Clifton Williams, II. (Jim) was born on March 12, 1948 to proud parents, James C. Williams and Judy McElroy in Tacoma, Washington. He left this earth on his last adventure on Saturday, December 3, 2022, in Long Beach, California, at the age of 74. He was a 1966 graduate of Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was an outstanding track athlete earning numerous awards. He went on to University of Oklahoma on a track and field scholarship and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1970. As a child, he was an army brat and lived in many places, but spent most of his life living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and always considered that his hometown. Jim was a beloved brother, father, grandpa, teacher, and track and field coach. Jim retired to Long Beach, California in 2003 and lived by his sister and best friend, Shirley, and there he found his wonder dog, Kahlua. He certainly loved exploring– whether it was traveling and teaching overseas for years, living in a cave in Greece, a Route 66 road trip, a Joshua Tree excursion (with his beloved wonder dog, Kahlua), or taking his daughters to a concert at the Getty- he was eager to see and experience different parts of the world. He was also very passionate about cycling, yoga, politics, University of Oklahoma football, running, music, reading, and learning. But most of all, Jim loved his girls dearly- Cody, Shannon, and the latest edition, Vivy.

Survivors include daughter, Cody Williams of Nashville, Tennessee; daughter, Shannon McCartney and Jonathon McCartney and, granddaughter, Vivienne McCartney all of Fort Worth, Texas; sister and best friend Shirley (Williams) DeMarco and, husband, Frank Pike of Long Beach, California; lifelong friend and mother of his children, Suzanne Adair, of Fort Worth, Texas; and dear friends, Leo F. Haas III and, wife, Linda of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Charlotte Lazar of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sheri Viola and, husband, Mike of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and, wonder dogs, Abaco and Big Red. A celebration of life will be held for Jim's family and friends on Friday, December 9th.

Jim's legacy continues on through his numerous writings, letters, and journals to his beloved family, and especially to his daughters, and his stories which were shared with his students throughout the years. He was deeply loved and will be forever missed. Daddio, "I'm gonna free fall out into nothin' Gonna leave this world for a while. Now I'm free, free fallin…"

We love you and your imprint on our lives is forever. www.mckenziemortuaryservices.com