Obituary of James T Williams

James Thomas Williams was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 24, 1961, to the late John T. Williams, Jr. and Annie Williams. He was affectionately called Jim, Jimmy, Will, Philly, Mr. Cool, Dad, and as of late, PopPop. Jimmy attended high school in the Philadelphia School district. As a young man who appreciated nice things, he started working at 14. Jimmy’s father, John took him to the local grocery store where he started bagging groceries to earn money. Jimmy wasn’t afraid of hard work and so began his lifelong journey of trying and learning new trades. Jimmy also worked alongside his Uncles and other family members learning about construction. Jimmy’s brother Tee coined him “MacGyver” when things needed fixing. Jimmy lived by the principle that if you could not fix it yourself, you were going to pay somebody to fix it. Jimmy also enjoyed being active and playing basketball and football. In 1980, he decided to enlist in the United States Army. During his 12 years of service, he was stationed in Hawaii, Germany, Korea, Louisiana and finally landed in New Jersey. It was in Hawaii where Jimmy met his late wife, Bernadette Schulte. They went on to have three daughters and were later blessed with three grandchildren, who helped keep him young! In 2014, he retired as a Correctional Counselor from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Fort Dix, NJ after 20 years of service. Through his military and federal career, Jimmy made some lifelong friends who became an extension of his family. Jimmy’s mom, Annie was his Queen and he cherished being able to be there and spend more time with her during his retirement. Jimmy also took advantage of his retirement and spent as much time as possible with his sister, Miranda and brother, John and extended family. Jimmy loved to cook and took pride in his skills on the grill, so much so that he built a smoker. He loved to share his cooking with family and friends. Time with family was always prioritized – he enjoyed laughing, playing games, reminiscing, and sharing stories from over the years. He took tremendous pride in being a good man, father and grandfather. Jimmy always wanted the best for his family and looked forward to watching his grandchildren grow up. Jimmy was a well-known Philadelphia sports fan, he absolutely loved his Eagles and Sixers. Jimmy leaves to mourn, his mother: Annie Williams, sister: Miranda Henderson, brother John “Tee” (Veronica) Williams, daughters: Sheena (Dwayne) Jennings, Lakisha Williams, and Amber Williams, grandchildren: Nariyah Williams, Ava Jennings, and Ari Jennings, nephews: Jamar (Serita Johnson) Henderson, Jamil (Natalie) Henderson, and Terell Williams, friend: Angela Thoronka as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, friends, former co-workers and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife: Bernadette Williams, father: John T. Williams, Jr., sister: Deborah Williams, brother: Gary Williams. As we remember Jimmy, let us all take that piece of him that he left us with. Let the stories, the memories, and the great feelings Jimmy brought to our lives, carry us forward. Some of the sayings he lived by included: “You can’t always get what you want” “Tomorrow is not promised” “Nothing lasts forever, not even your troubles” “Don’t worry about what you can’t control” Jimmy would want us to enjoy life and let our loved ones know the impact they have on our lives today. Although we are shocked and sad over this incredible loss, please know Jimmy enjoyed his life and even more all of the people who filled it. May Jimmy now rest in heavenly peace. -Lovingly Submitted by the Family