Ishpeming, MI - John "Jay" C. Williams, age 76, of 109 Bancroft St. Ishpeming, passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee where he had resided for the past 6 days.

John was born in Lebanon, PA on May 29, 1945, a son of the late Ruth A. (Smith) and John J. Williams. John was a 1963 graduate of Lebanon High School, in Lebanon, PA; he went on and received his Bachelor's in Psychology from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA in 1967; and then his Master's in Psychology from the University of Ohio at Akron in 1969.

John worked as a licensed Psychologist in the Pennsylvania State Mental Retardation (Intellectual disabilities) System Facilities - as Unit Manager, Assistant Director, Psychologist, Director and Annuitant.  After his work in the state system John began his private practice in Doylestown, PA. He continued his work with people living with Intellectual Disabilities. Also he evaluated hundreds of children and youth for the E.P.S.D.T. Wrap Around program. This included many on the Autism Spectrum. He retired from his private practice in 2015. John also served as a Director of the Christian Children's Home in New Jersey and was a past member of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association.

John was an accomplished musician, playing the organ and serving as choir director in many churches. He also accompanied vocalists as a pianist for recitals.

Prior to coming to Ishpeming, MI this past year he had resided in Quakertown and Doylestown, PA. John was a current member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. He was a person of faith, believing that Jesus provided him and all people the way to eternal life. He shared his faith through his music and psychology work. John is now in his eternal home. He and Bruce enjoyed traveling to many destinations together.

Quoting from a Facebook comment: He was an amazing man and loved by so many. He was kind and loving and could make wonderful music.

Survivors include his partner and husband of the past 33 years, Rev. Bruce J. Thorsen of Ishpeming; a sister, Bonnie Harris of Palmyra, PA; Mother-in-law Joyce Thorsen of Rapid River, MI; Sister-in-law, Susan (Rick) Karau of Milwaukee, WI; along with a nephew, three nieces, many cousins, and numerous friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 1:00PM at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. The service will be livestreamed and may be found on Bethany Lutheran's Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/715Mather/

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church, 715 Mather Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

We would like to thank Paul Klotts from Lake Superior Home Healthcare and Eastwood for being with us and supporting us through John's last days here on Earth.

The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.