REDDING – The world became brighter on September 24th, 1929, the day that James Robert Williams was born. Jim sadly passed on September l, 2023 in Redding, California after a long and happy life.
Jim was born in Eagletown, Oklahoma to Ollie and Ruth Williams. He was the third oldest of eight children and throughout his life, he enjoyed close relationships with all of his siblings: Jack, Roger, Lora, Gene, Leona, and Sylvester.
The Williams family moved to California from Oklahoma in 1942 where Jim graduated from Red Bluff High School in 1949 and where he met his first wife, Betty Ruth Harland
Williams, the mother of children Judy, Steve, and Nancy who were raised in the Northern California area while Jim worked as a timber faller for a number of years before becoming a State Farm insurance agent for 33 years.
Jim married Anna Sue Dodd Teller Williams in December 1977, in Reno, Nevada, and became stepfather to Debbie and Donna. Jim and Sue were active members of their communities in Susanville, California, Gold Beach, Oregon, and Redding, California. Jim was dedicated to serving his communities in a variety of leadership roles. He served as the Sectional Commander for the Assembly of God Royal Rangers; as a school board member on the Susanville School District Board; as President of the Lassen Shrine Club; as Master and Hiram Award Recipient for Masonic Lodge #149; President and Paul Harris Awardee for the Rotary Club of Susanville; and an active congregant at Assembly of God in Lakeview, Susanville and Gold Beach and Redding Christian Fellowship. Following his 80th birthday Jim wrote and published his family history and personal autobiography entitled “The Boy from Eagletown”.
Throughout his life Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and playing golf. He enjoyed singing gospel music and sang bass with a Gospel quartet. He also served as the President of the River City Ramblers RV club and enjoyed many trips with Sue in their motorhome.
Jim is survived by his wife, Anna Sue Dodd Teller Williams; children Judy Reddin, Steve Williams and wife Heidi, Nancy Holsey and husband Dave, Debbie Teller and partner Phillip, and Donna Chapman; grandchildren Marc Garza and wife Marni, Justin Garza and wife Jessica, Carly Jonasson and husband Elliott, Matt Williams, and wife Linda, Craig Holsey and wife Heather, Megan DeHerrera and husband Jason, Scott Chapman and wife Tanya, and Jason Chapman and partner Sarah; great grandchildren Cody, Cole, Ashley, Kailyn, Zachary, Jesse, Lucas, Rocco, Isadora, Mateo, and Brooke; and siblings Roger Williams, Lora Chandler, and Sylvester Williams.
He was predeceased by parents Ollie and Ruth Williams, first wife Betty Ruth Harland Williams; son-in-law Tom Reddin; and siblings Jack Williams, Gene Williams and Leona Hintz.
Jim often stated that he had the best family a man could have and wanted each of you to know that he loved you all best!
Jim’s life will be honored during a celebration of life service at Redding Christian Fellowship at 2157 Victor Avenue in Redding on Saturday, September 16th at 1:00p.m.
