James Lee Williams

James Lee Williams, 78 of Gallipolis, OH passed away October 12, 2023 from myelodysplastic syndrome at Holzer Hospital. Jim was born on June 17, 1945 to J. Orland and Mary Jane Mathews Williams in Columbus, OH.

After graduating Athens High School in 1963, he attended Ohio University and earned his Business Administration Degree. He was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. In March of 1968 he was drafted into the Army. He trained at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, IN, and Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA. He married his first wife in September 1968 and he was sent to Viet Nam on November 5, 1968. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Eagle. He trained as a general’s aide and worked in the Aviation Office where he was responsible for inspection of helicopter accidents. Upon his return he was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. He served three years in the service. He returned home to Athens, OH where they bought property and made their home on State Route 56. He then was employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier.

Jim was divorced and married again and continued to live on State Route 56 in the rustic home that he and his dad built. Jim retired from the Post Office in 2000 and then was co-founder of WEAK Radio in Athens, OH in 2004.

Jim was a member of The First United Methodist Church in Athens since 1957 and maintained as associate membership. He served on the finance committee for 6 years including 3 years as the chairman, and also served as church treasurer. After moving to Gallipolis, he became a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He was on the membership committee and chairman of the safety committee. He tried to live a Christian life.

Jim’s interests included 50s and 60s music and he also enjoyed the older television shows, movies and automobiles of that period.

Jim enjoyed baseball and was a Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State fan following them since he was 8 years old. He also followed Ohio University Bobcats football and basketball teams. He coached the Medics Little League Baseball team for 6 years in the 1960s and 70s.

He was predeceased by his parents, J. Orland and Mary Jane Mathews Williams. He is survived by his brother Dan Williams (Caralynn) of Ocala, FL; his children (from his first marriage of 10 years), Todd Williams of Vienna, WV and Traci Williams Mazur (Steve) of Mansfield, MA; his daughter (from his wife of 28 years) Jenn McCann (Evan) of Derwood, MD; his granddaughters Kaylee Williams Wharton (Brandin), Avery Mazur, Sydney Mazur, Cassidy Mazur and Maddie McCann; his grandsons, Kyle Williams, Konnor Williams and Luke McCann; his great granddaughters Ellie Wharton and Maci J. Wharton.

He wished to thank all of the many friends he made in all of his walks of life whether it be fellow students, co-workers, neighbors or perhaps patrons on his mail route for their friendship.

Memorial services to be announced at a later date.