James F. Williams, 82, of Downers Grove, IL was at peace Wednesday, December 10th 2025. Jim was born March 5th, 1943, in Kewanee, Illinois, the son of Ernie and Frances (Drust) Williams. He was united in marriage to his cherished love Shirley (Kowell ) Williams on May 10th, 1969. She preceded him in death July of 2025.
He is the fond uncle of many; Peter (Nancy) Dreher, Bill (Deb) Craggs, Scott (Kristen) Williams, Meredith Sprovier, Gina (Adam ) Ware, Danielle (Nick) Simon, Jason Slator and Steven (Tracy) Slater. Fondest Great Uncle to Michael, Joanna, Stephen, Zac, Lukas, Sam, Saige, Tyler and Bryce; Fondest Great great uncle to, Lily, Richard, Davien, Frances, Louise, Jack, Everett, Rowan, Gus, Forrest, Rohm, Oswald, Francis, Keene, Theordore and Enzo. He is survived by his brother and Sisters-in Law, Gene and Sharon Whitehorn and Nancy Williams.
He was a graduate of Fenwick High School.
He served our nation in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967. He earned a living doing small carpentry and handyman jobs, generously sharing his skills with neighbors, friends, and anyone in need of a steady hand.
His lifelong passion was playing golf. At age 82, He still enjoyed the game 2 to 3 times a week. He brightened even the simplest moments with a warm smile and his quick wit.
Jim especially enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, Shirley, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage, cherishing the time they spent together. They created a lifetime of shared memories while visiting friends and family wherever their journeys took them.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Sister and Brother in law, Patricia and Clarence Craggs ; sister, Dolores Williams; Brother Robert Williams; nephew Timothy Craggs; niece Victoria Craggs and Sister- In- Law, Margaret (Slater) Purvis.
Memorial Visitation Saturday, December 20th, from 11am-1:30 pm at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral home 4920 Main St. Downers Grove. 630-852-8000
In Lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to Shiners Children’s Hospital, Chicago
https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org