Tributes & Stories

Find an Obituary

The obituary news listed on this page is provided by newspapers and from funeral homes only:

 

Obituary (FL): James Clark Williams '63

Posted on 09/04/2018

James Clark Williams, 78, died suddenly on Friday, August 31, 2018 after a brief illness.

James (or "Jim," as he was known) was born on June 29, 1940 in Harriman, TN to Harold and Eleanor Williams. He studied at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for one year before transferring to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. After graduating, he moved to Pensacola to attend flight school.

During his 20 years in the Navy, he served as a P-3 pilot and a flight instructor, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After retiring in 1983, he earned a Master's degree in accounting from the University of West Florida and embarked on a second career as a CPA. In the years that followed, he worked at SFK Steel and the UWF comptroller's office.

He retired from accounting after nearly 15 years and devoted the rest of his life to teaching and serving the community. He volunteered at Learn to Read of Northwest Florida for more than 20 years and worked as the organization's director for nearly a decade. During this time, he helped dozens of students learn to read and organized an English-language conversation class for immigrants. He also volunteered at Covenant Care, Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church, and other organizations.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Whitley of Knoxville, TN.

Jim is survived by his three sons, Richard D'Armond Williams (Suzanne) of Spanish Fort, AL, Thomas Cowley Williams of Nashville, TN and Michael Williams (Aliana de la Guardia) of Haverhill, MA.

Memorial Service in Jim's honor will be held 3:00pm Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave., with Rev. Susan Sowers officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Learn to Read of Northwest Florida, 1720 W. Fairfield Dr. #315, Pensacola, FL 32501.

Published in Pensacola News Journal on Sept. 4, 2018