James (Jim) Otto Williams, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, suffered a debilitating stroke on December 9, and peacefully passed away four days later on December 12, 2021 in Knoxville, TN. He was 78 years young.
Jim, lovingly known as “Bobo” by his family and nicknamed “Hammer” by his golfing buddies, was born in Knoxville, TN on July 26, 1943 to the late James Otto Williams, Sr. and Katherine Bales Williams. He graduated from South High School and attended the University of Tennessee.
At the young age of 15, a pretty little neighbor caught his eye and Jim met the love of his life, Donna Raney. They married five years later on July 26, 1963 – Jim’s 20th birthday and only a month after Donna turned 18. They settled in South Knoxville and welcomed their first-born daughter, Stacy, a year and a half later. Their second-born daughter, Robin, was born in December of 1966. Jim was a profoundly dedicated husband and father, and loved his family passionately.
He started his work career at the age of 19 with Dempster Brothers. He began as a messenger in the mailroom, worked his way through the company as a welder, later a supervisor, and was employed there for 30 years! Upon the closing of Dempster Brothers, Jim transitioned to Carrier Corporation where he worked until the company relocated to Indianapolis. His roots were deep in Tennessee and Jim’s love for the home he built for his family kept him firmly planted in Knoxville. Upon his retirement from Carrier Corporation and unable to sit still, he joined High Oaks Construction and continued working there for several more years.
Anyone who knew Jim recognized his unequivocal work ethic; he simply loved to work. Family was always top priority, but travel, fishing and golf followed closely behind. He was incredibly proud of his family and often said his goal in life was to see his grandchildren graduate college. He was blessed to see each one of them not only graduate university, but also achieve master’s degrees.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Donna Raney Williams, daughter Stacy Williams (Terry Wilcox), daughter Robin Williams Sharp (Allen), grandson Logan Howard Sharp and granddaughters Sarah Danielle Williams and Jamie Maddison Sharp Park (William). He is also survived by brother Hazen Reed Williams (Debra) and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father James Otto Williams, Sr., mother Katherine Bales Williams and sister Helen Williams Rose.
Funeral services will be held at Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924 on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. A brief service will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel followed by a reception and visitation with family. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim Williams may be made in support of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids Program where Danielle serves as Director of Education, or ENC Men’s Basketball where Logan serves as Head Coach.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids Program – www.bsomusic.org/donate
For online gifts: scroll down to select “Tribute Giving.” Under “Do you have any special instructions for the gift or the note the recipient will receive?” indicate “OrchKids.”
Checks can be made payable to BSO OrchKids and mailed to:
Advancement Office
1212 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
ENC Men’s Basketball – giving.enc.edu/s/1828/17/interior.aspx?cid=1105&gid=2&pgid=420&sid=1828
For online gifts: select “Designation: Athletics General Fund” and under additional options select “In Memory Of.”
Checks can be made payable to ENC Athletics and mailed to:
ENC Athletics – Brad Zarges
23 East Elm Avenue, Quincy, MA 02170
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Otto Williams July 26 1943 December 12 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Knoxville, Province: T-N