Marquette- James E. Williams, age 75, longtime area resident, has gone home to be in Heaven with his Lord Jesus, which he has been waiting to do for a long time. Jesus finally thought it was time. Now he has a new healthy body and peaceful eternity forever.

Jim was born on November 28, 1948 in Wellsboro, PA, son of the late Ward and Lula (Carpenter) Williams. He honorably served his country for 6 years in the United States Army, and then for 20 years in the United States Airforce until his honorable discharge on April 30, 1989.

Jim has been a member of Bethel Lutheran Church since 1995. He loved his church and attended until his breathing and coughing got so bad that he could no longer go out in public, and could no longer keep singing in the church choir. However Jim was able to stay home and listen to church services on WJPD Sunday mornings.

Jim loved hunting, fishing, tennis and most of all, every fall, going deer hunting at the Roberts' hunting camp. It was a compliment and was exciting to be invited to be one of the hunters every fall. Jim also enjoyed oil painting, where he spent many hours in his painting room creating art that he displayed throughout his home, and gave away to family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife of 29 years Beatrice (Anderson) Williams, children- Lisa Williams, James (Jimmy Joe) Williams, Deborah Williams, and Christina (Williams) Plankey, grandchildren- Forest and Leif Lowe, Miiya and Natalia Hendrickson, Crystal Raye, Daisy and David James (D.J.) Croschere and their father David Croshere. Siblings- Janice Keaton, Kenneth (Sally) Williams, Linda Martin, Barbara J. Wellbridge, Victoria A. Richardson, step siblings- Philip Johnson and Candi Blaha. Also surviving are his step children- Dale (Sue) Daniel, Dan (Wendy) Roberts, Douglas Roberts, step grandchildren- Ericka (Roberts) Bjorne, Allan Roberts, and Jacob Roberts, step great grandchildren- Boone Thomas, twins- Cooper James, and Eliina Bea Bjorne. He is further survived by his Aunt Edith Lutz whom he stayed in contact with throughout the years, she was like a mother to him, and his uncle Franklin and aunt Joyce Williams, along with several cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ward K. and Lula (Carpenter) Williams, and step-father- Lowell Johnson.

Following Jim's request a small family gathering will take place at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Tim Johnston officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force.

Jim's family would like to thank all who helped in any way, thoughts, words, or deeds. Especially UP Home Health and Hospice, for being so professional, helpful and pleasant.

Jim's family would also like to thank Pastor Tim Johnston for his visitations that Jim appreciated so much.

Jim's family would also like to thank the Roberts family. Jim appreciated all the wonderful time he spent with all of you, and all that you did for him to make his life more pleasant.

Per Jim's request, in lieu of flowers, memorial considerations may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church in Memory of Jim.