James Oliver 'Jim' Williams, 78
James Oliver "Jim" Williams, 78, of Kalispell, formerly of Mountain Run Road in DuBois, Pa., died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the home of his daughter in Kalispell. Jim was born April 19, 1930, in Clear Run, Pa., to the late John and Mandain (Detrich) Williams.
Jim married Betty Louise McDonald on Oct. 19, 1950. Betty preceded him in death March 17, 2004.
Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 21, 1948, and received an honorable discharge April 19, 1951. He then re-enlisted April 20, 1951, and received a general discharge under honorable conditions Nov. 18, 1954, while recovering from injuries at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Newport, R.I. Jim proudly served his country on board the USS Dayton and the USS Sturtevant.
Jim found his passion in life for recycling scrap metals at the tender age of 4. And that is what he was doing at the time of his death.
Jim was an underground coal miner and a heavy-equipment mechanic.
He was a life member of the North American Hunting Club, belonged to the National Rifle Association, and was an avid supporter of the Disabled American Veterans.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, John, Marvin, Tom, Frank and Sampson Williams; and two sisters, Genevieve (Williams) Case and Rachael (Williams) Markel; one son, James David Williams; one daughter, Linda Louise (Williams) Leshock; one grandson, Joshua Adam Leshock; and one great-grandson, Timothy Christopher Kutch.
He is survived by his daughter, Laura S. Williams, of Kalispell; and his son, Dale H. Williams, of DuBois; three grandsons, Christopher J. Balliet of DuBois, Daniel A. Kutch Jr. of Kalispell, and Sheridan L. Williams of DuBois; four granddaughters, Jamie L. (Williams) Marks of Hephzibah, Ga., Mandain S. Kutch and Sarah S. (Kutch) Sanford of Kalispell, and Ashley Z. Williams of Virginia; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and lifelong friends. He also is survived by a brother, George, of DuBois; and a sister, Maude Williams, of Divide, Colo.
Jim requested there be no public viewing and no public funeral services. He wished that memorial donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
Graveside services will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Clear Run.