James Williams

James “Jim” Williams passed away on the evening of December 9th, 2024, in Casper, Wyoming, surrounded by family. Jim was born in San Antonio, Texas to parents Reverend John Edward Williams and Eleanor Lucille Williams (Uhlig). Jim was the third of four children.

In 1970, Jim and his family moved to Casper, Wyoming, where his father became the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Jim attended Manor Heights Elementary School and East Junior High School. He truly had to walk uphill both ways to and from school. Jim graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1977, where he ran track and played football and basketball. Jim's passion for sports carried far beyond high school. He enjoyed playing softball, volleyball, basketball, and golf with his friends into his 60’s. He looked forward to watching football and hockey each year.

In 1985, Jim left Casper and made stops in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Mesa, Arizona, before settling in Tooele, Utah, in 1988. There, he began his career as a lab technician at Barrick Mercur Gold Mine. In 1996, he was transferred to Elko, Nevada, to work at Barrick Goldstrike mine. Jim worked for Barrick for over 13 years, retiring from the mining industry in late 2001 when he moved back to Casper to be closer to his daughter who was attending Casper College. Once back in Casper, Jim worked for Wyoming Stationary, Poly Pipe, and High-Mark Kitchens and Stone before retiring at the end of 2022.

Jim was a kind and generous man who would give the shirt off his back. Every year on Christmas Eve, he would buy shoes for a family in need. He also donated to the BACA toy drive and Toys for Tots. Jim was well-liked by all who knew him. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.

Jim was a driving force in his daughter's life. He was always pushing her to continue chasing her dreams. Jim was passionate about his grandsons. He enjoyed bike rides along the Platte River Pathway, shooting hoops in the driveway, and passing the football back and forth with them. He instilled a love of sports in his eldest grandson who went on to run track and play football and basketball in middle and high school just like his grandfather. Jim enjoyed watching the boy play. Jim spent countless dollars to buy tape for his youngest grandson who made elaborate creations from tape and paper. Jim enjoyed watching the boys' creativity and imagination come to life.

 One of Jim's favorite pastimes was spending time in the yard. He enjoyed yardwork and gardening. He loved his yard, and he enjoyed sitting on the swing with his dogs next to him. Jim was an animal lover and advocate.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eleanor Williams. He is survived by his daughter Tashina Williams and husband Brandon; his two grandsons Caden and Ivan; his bonus grandson Caleb, his sister Cheryl Campbell (Williams) and her husband Jon; his brother Bill Williams and his wife Janie; his brother Richard and his wife Kim; his nephews: Chad Campbell, John, Jay, Brady, Zack, and Chris Williams; his nieces Andrea Lucas (Campbell) and Jacquelynn Leigh (Williams); his grandnieces and nephews; and his great grandnieces and nephews.

A small outdoor service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Casper Humane Society can be made in his honor.