A friend to all, Jack saw the good in everyone. Our dear friend was a beloved husband, devoted Father, grandfather, great grandfather... His passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives. But we know he is out of pain and in a far better place.
John L. Williams, “Jack”, has gone fishing where the trout are plentiful, the pan fish are biting and there is no limit. He joins his brothers at his mother’s supper table. He passed peacefully late in the afternoon on March 25, 2016 – Good Friday.
Jack was born on September 22, 1934 in Standish, Michigan. He was the 6th child born to Linna Sophia Freer Williams and Roy Arthur Williams. He lived his childhood in Arenac County, Michigan and then Alcona County, Michigan.
He grew up in a home that may have lacked many material things, but was rich in love and adventure. When he was 12, his mother died, leaving behind 9 virtual orphans. The family depended on the poor farm system, the kindness of neighbors, his newly married brother Bill and his young wife Norma, and their oldest brother, Ray, for their support. Jack never told his children the typical “I was so poor when I was a kid” stories. Like all of his siblings, he was a man who provided for his family at all times, sometimes going without niceties for himself to make sure his wife and kids had what they needed.
In the second grade, he met Leora Boucher, the daughter of the farmer up the road. They wed on November 27, 1954, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Harrisville, Michigan. When he told one of his brothers that he was dating Leora, the brother said, “You want to be careful there, Jack. She’s Catholic and she’s going to want a bunch of kids. You hate kids.”
They had seven children.
In 1952, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force. His career spanned 20 years and numerous duty stations that took the family across the country and overseas: Puerto Rico; Columbus, Ohio; Wichita Falls, Texas; Tachakowa, Japan; Stewart AFB, New York; a tour in Viet Nam and finally, Edwards AFB in California. He retired in 1972 as a Master Sargent, and he settled his family in California City, California. From there he worked as a jet engine mechanic for Northrup at Edwards working on such projects at the YF17 fighter jet and the B2 bomber. He could identify an aircraft from miles away. He retired in 1990 . He test drove cars for Honda North America R & D for a few years after that.
In 2004, he and Leora moved to Louisville, Kentucky. They loved their new home and the wonderful people of Kentucky. Jack was finally able to fish whenever he wanted. He enjoyed many great hours at Guist Creek and would take his children and grandchildren there whenever they came to visit. He was a member of St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church.
He is survived by the woman he loved for his entire life, Leora; seven children, Denise Millet of Bakersfield, California; Theresa (George) Grimshaw of California City, California; Bernadette (Tom) Hillman of Elk Creek, Kentucky; Jeff (Pam) of California City, California; Jennifer (Bob) Selbrede of California City, California; Karen Baca of Albequerque, New Mexico; Chris (Amy) Williams of Louisville, Kentucky. Grandchildren Daniel Millet; Nick (Jessica) and Mathew (Ashley) Hamm; Elliot (Leslie) and David Grimshaw; Stephen, Kathleen, Amy, Emily, Rebecca and Gwen Williams; Tim and John Selbrede and Linna (Nick) Kleinschmidt; Olivia, Alyssa, Ben and Mary Grace Baca; Mackinaw, Josephina, Brooks and Leelanau Williams and Dillon Geiser. And five great grandchildren: Paikia and Hemi Grimshaw; Daphne and Dominick Hamm, Liam Hamm and Griffin Hamm who will arrive this summer. He is also survived by his brothers Joe, Leonard and Dick Williams; his sisters Linna Meese and Nellie Valley, all of Michigan. He is predeceased by his parents, Linna Freer Williams and Roy Arthur Williams; his brothers Harvey, Jimmy, Ray, Roy and Bill; a son-in-law, Jay Millet; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Williams.
Funeral services will be held at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church. Although Jack is cremated, another service with Military honors will take place in the summer at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery, Harrisville, Michigan, where several of his family members are buried.
John L. Williams, “Jack”, has gone fishing where the trout are plentiful, the pan fish are biting and there is no limit. He joins his brothers at his mother’s supper table. He passed peacefully late in the afternoon on March 25, 2016 – Good Friday.
Jack was born on September 22, 1934 in Standish, Michigan. He was the 6th child born to Linna Sophia Freer Williams and Roy Arthur Williams. He lived his childhood in Arenac County, Michigan and then Alcona County, Michigan.
He grew up in a home that may have lacked many material things, but was rich in love and adventure. When he was 12, his mother died, leaving behind 9 virtual orphans. The family depended on the poor farm system, the kindness of neighbors, his newly married brother Bill and his young wife Norma, and their oldest brother, Ray, for their support. Jack never told his children the typical “I was so poor when I was a kid” stories. Like all of his siblings, he was a man who provided for his family at all times, sometimes going without niceties for himself to make sure his wife and kids had what they needed.
In the second grade, he met Leora Boucher, the daughter of the farmer up the road. They wed on November 27, 1954, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Harrisville, Michigan. When he told one of his brothers that he was dating Leora, the brother said, “You want to be careful there, Jack. She’s Catholic and she’s going to want a bunch of kids. You hate kids.”
They had seven children.
In 1952, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force. His career spanned 20 years and numerous duty stations that took the family across the country and overseas: Puerto Rico; Columbus, Ohio; Wichita Falls, Texas; Tachakowa, Japan; Stewart AFB, New York; a tour in Viet Nam and finally, Edwards AFB in California. He retired in 1972 as a Master Sargent, and he settled his family in California City, California. From there he worked as a jet engine mechanic for Northrup at Edwards working on such projects at the YF17 fighter jet and the B2 bomber. He could identify an aircraft from miles away. He retired in 1990 . He test drove cars for Honda North America R & D for a few years after that.
In 2004, he and Leora moved to Louisville, Kentucky. They loved their new home and the wonderful people of Kentucky. Jack was finally able to fish whenever he wanted. He enjoyed many great hours at Guist Creek and would take his children and grandchildren there whenever they came to visit. He was a member of St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church.
He is survived by the woman he loved for his entire life, Leora; seven children, Denise Millet of Bakersfield, California; Theresa (George) Grimshaw of California City, California; Bernadette (Tom) Hillman of Elk Creek, Kentucky; Jeff (Pam) of California City, California; Jennifer (Bob) Selbrede of California City, California; Karen Baca of Albequerque, New Mexico; Chris (Amy) Williams of Louisville, Kentucky. Grandchildren Daniel Millet; Nick (Jessica) and Mathew (Ashley) Hamm; Elliot (Leslie) and David Grimshaw; Stephen, Kathleen, Amy, Emily, Rebecca and Gwen Williams; Tim and John Selbrede and Linna (Nick) Kleinschmidt; Olivia, Alyssa, Ben and Mary Grace Baca; Mackinaw, Josephina, Brooks and Leelanau Williams and Dillon Geiser. And five great grandchildren: Paikia and Hemi Grimshaw; Daphne and Dominick Hamm, Liam Hamm and Griffin Hamm who will arrive this summer. He is also survived by his brothers Joe, Leonard and Dick Williams; his sisters Linna Meese and Nellie Valley, all of Michigan. He is predeceased by his parents, Linna Freer Williams and Roy Arthur Williams; his brothers Harvey, Jimmy, Ray, Roy and Bill; a son-in-law, Jay Millet; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Williams.
Funeral services will be held at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church. Although Jack is cremated, another service with Military honors will take place in the summer at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery, Harrisville, Michigan, where several of his family members are buried.
A friend to all, Jack saw the good in everyone. Our dear friend was a beloved husband, devoted Father, grandfather, great grandfather... His passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives. But we know he is out of pain and in a far better place.
John L. Williams, “Jack”, has gone fishing where the trout are plentiful, the pan fish are biting and there is no limit. He joins his brothers at his mother’s supper table. He passed peacefully late in the afternoon on March 25, 2016 – Good Friday.
Jack was born on September 22, 1934 in Standish, Michigan. He was the 6th child born to Linna Sophia Freer Williams and Roy Arthur Williams. He lived his childhood in Arenac County, Michigan and then Alcona County, Michigan.
He grew up in a home that may have lacked many material things, but was rich in love and adventure. When he was 12, his mother died, leaving behind 9 virtual orphans. The family depended on the poor farm system, the kindness of neighbors, his newly married brother Bill and his young wife Norma, and their oldest brother, Ray, for their support. Jack never told his children the typical “I was so poor when I was a kid” stories. Like all of his siblings, he was a man who provided for his family at all times, sometimes going without niceties for himself to make sure his wife and kids had what they needed.
In the second grade, he met Leora Boucher, the daughter of the farmer up the road. They wed on November 27, 1954, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Harrisville, Michigan. When he told one of his brothers that he was dating Leora, the brother said, “You want to be careful there, Jack. She’s Catholic and she’s going to want a bunch of kids. You hate kids.”
They had seven children.
In 1952, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force. His career spanned 20 years and numerous duty stations that took the family across the country and overseas: Puerto Rico; Columbus, Ohio; Wichita Falls, Texas; Tachakowa, Japan; Stewart AFB, New York; a tour in Viet Nam and finally, Edwards AFB in California. He retired in 1972 as a Master Sargent, and he settled his family in California City, California. From there he worked as a jet engine mechanic for Northrup at Edwards working on such projects at the YF17 fighter jet and the B2 bomber. He could identify an aircraft from miles away. He retired in 1990 . He test drove cars for Honda North America R & D for a few years after that.
In 2004, he and Leora moved to Louisville, Kentucky. They loved their new home and the wonderful people of Kentucky. Jack was finally able to fish whenever he wanted. He enjoyed many great hours at Guist Creek and would take his children and grandchildren there whenever they came to visit. He was a member of St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church.
He is survived by the woman he loved for his entire life, Leora; seven children, Denise Millet of Bakersfield, California; Theresa (George) Grimshaw of California City, California; Bernadette (Tom) Hillman of Elk Creek, Kentucky; Jeff (Pam) of California City, California; Jennifer (Bob) Selbrede of California City, California; Karen Baca of Albequerque, New Mexico; Chris (Amy) Williams of Louisville, Kentucky. Grandchildren Daniel Millet; Nick (Jessica) and Mathew (Ashley) Hamm; Elliot (Leslie) and David Grimshaw; Stephen, Kathleen, Amy, Emily, Rebecca and Gwen Williams; Tim and John Selbrede and Linna (Nick) Kleinschmidt; Olivia, Alyssa, Ben and Mary Grace Baca; Mackinaw, Josephina, Brooks and Leelanau Williams and Dillon Geiser. And five great grandchildren: Paikia and Hemi Grimshaw; Daphne and Dominick Hamm, Liam Hamm and Griffin Hamm who will arrive this summer. He is also survived by his brothers Joe, Leonard and Dick Williams; his sisters Linna Meese and Nellie Valley, all of Michigan. He is predeceased by his parents, Linna Freer Williams and Roy Arthur Williams; his brothers Harvey, Jimmy, Ray, Roy and Bill; a son-in-law, Jay Millet; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Williams.
Funeral services will be held at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church. Although Jack is cremated, another service with Military honors will take place in the summer at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery, Harrisville, Michigan, where several of his family members are buried.
John L. Williams, “Jack”, has gone fishing where the trout are plentiful, the pan fish are biting and there is no limit. He joins his brothers at his mother’s supper table. He passed peacefully late in the afternoon on March 25, 2016 – Good Friday.
Jack was born on September 22, 1934 in Standish, Michigan. He was the 6th child born to Linna Sophia Freer Williams and Roy Arthur Williams. He lived his childhood in Arenac County, Michigan and then Alcona County, Michigan.
He grew up in a home that may have lacked many material things, but was rich in love and adventure. When he was 12, his mother died, leaving behind 9 virtual orphans. The family depended on the poor farm system, the kindness of neighbors, his newly married brother Bill and his young wife Norma, and their oldest brother, Ray, for their support. Jack never told his children the typical “I was so poor when I was a kid” stories. Like all of his siblings, he was a man who provided for his family at all times, sometimes going without niceties for himself to make sure his wife and kids had what they needed.
In the second grade, he met Leora Boucher, the daughter of the farmer up the road. They wed on November 27, 1954, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Harrisville, Michigan. When he told one of his brothers that he was dating Leora, the brother said, “You want to be careful there, Jack. She’s Catholic and she’s going to want a bunch of kids. You hate kids.”
They had seven children.
In 1952, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force. His career spanned 20 years and numerous duty stations that took the family across the country and overseas: Puerto Rico; Columbus, Ohio; Wichita Falls, Texas; Tachakowa, Japan; Stewart AFB, New York; a tour in Viet Nam and finally, Edwards AFB in California. He retired in 1972 as a Master Sargent, and he settled his family in California City, California. From there he worked as a jet engine mechanic for Northrup at Edwards working on such projects at the YF17 fighter jet and the B2 bomber. He could identify an aircraft from miles away. He retired in 1990 . He test drove cars for Honda North America R & D for a few years after that.
In 2004, he and Leora moved to Louisville, Kentucky. They loved their new home and the wonderful people of Kentucky. Jack was finally able to fish whenever he wanted. He enjoyed many great hours at Guist Creek and would take his children and grandchildren there whenever they came to visit. He was a member of St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church.
He is survived by the woman he loved for his entire life, Leora; seven children, Denise Millet of Bakersfield, California; Theresa (George) Grimshaw of California City, California; Bernadette (Tom) Hillman of Elk Creek, Kentucky; Jeff (Pam) of California City, California; Jennifer (Bob) Selbrede of California City, California; Karen Baca of Albequerque, New Mexico; Chris (Amy) Williams of Louisville, Kentucky. Grandchildren Daniel Millet; Nick (Jessica) and Mathew (Ashley) Hamm; Elliot (Leslie) and David Grimshaw; Stephen, Kathleen, Amy, Emily, Rebecca and Gwen Williams; Tim and John Selbrede and Linna (Nick) Kleinschmidt; Olivia, Alyssa, Ben and Mary Grace Baca; Mackinaw, Josephina, Brooks and Leelanau Williams and Dillon Geiser. And five great grandchildren: Paikia and Hemi Grimshaw; Daphne and Dominick Hamm, Liam Hamm and Griffin Hamm who will arrive this summer. He is also survived by his brothers Joe, Leonard and Dick Williams; his sisters Linna Meese and Nellie Valley, all of Michigan. He is predeceased by his parents, Linna Freer Williams and Roy Arthur Williams; his brothers Harvey, Jimmy, Ray, Roy and Bill; a son-in-law, Jay Millet; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Williams.
Funeral services will be held at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church. Although Jack is cremated, another service with Military honors will take place in the summer at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery, Harrisville, Michigan, where several of his family members are buried.
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