James (Jim) Elbert Williams was born on July 1, 1939, in Ardmore, Oklahoma to James Elbert Williams, Sr and Mora Wilburn Williams. After finishing high school in 1957, he attended OSU for one year before transferring to Riverside City College in Riverside, California. As a gifted swimmer, Jim was ranked nationally and was once dubbed by his coach as the greatest swimmer ever to represent Riverside City College and one of the “nicest boys in town”. His last year there he totally disappointed his swim coach when he skipped an important swim meet to be with the love of his life who was coming from Dallas to see him. Not long after missing that swim meet, Jim married Pat Myers in 1960. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage on December 10th this year.
Jim certainly fought the good fight, but he lost his battle on August 27th at NTMC. He was preceded in death by his parents; his three sisters Delores (DeeDee), Janice and Bobbie, as well as his daughter, Deanna. He is survived by his devoted wife, Pat and their son, Michael Williams and wife, Shannon; two grandchildren, Tommy & Jackie and many loving, long-time friends.
He lived with Pat in Lake Kiowa for 38 years and he was very active through the years, including being an active member of the MGA and chairman of the golf committee for two years. He was constantly giving a helping hand to numerous friends and neighbors and loved welding projects for personal use as well as for various needs in the community. He loved music and dancing with his sweetheart as well as playing the guitar, keeping a spotless garage and vehicles, and maintaining an impeccable yard for sure! His absence in this life leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his family as well as too many friends to count.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Jim at Lake Kiowa Lodge from 2:00-4:00 pm on October 11, 2025. If you are inclined to make a donation in his memory you may do so to the Indian Creek Volunteer Fire Dept, (550 Kiowa Drive W, Lake Kiowa, TX 76240), Lake Kiowa Chapel (PO Box 1736, Gainesville, TX 76240), or to the charity of your choice. You may also sign an online registry at Meador Funeral Home, Gainesville, TX. Meadorfuneral.com.
Oh baby baby! Jim Williams was such a special guy and will be missed by many!!! Loved that man!!
Jim was one of a kind in a great way! Such a precious friend! He will be missed by many!!
I will miss my Old Goat(Jim) my friend for many years. We had nicknames for each other…He will be missed by many and especially missed by me. His family was so lucky to have such a wonderful man…God take care of my buddy
Jim was a great person. Was Loved by many and cherished by all he did – Job 14:14 & 15. God is Love and has better plans for humankind.
Jim and his Sweetie Pat were some of my folks closest friends and two of the people we first met when moving to Lake Kiowa. The guys had so much fun together, giving each other a hard time always with a smile. We are thankful to have known Jim.
Butch Ross on September 6,2025 at 9;30 PM
Jim and I did a lot of welding projects together and played a lot of golf together.
He was my friend and I will miss him and his words of wisdom. Like when I turned 75
he told me wakeing up and feeling good was over, he was always good for a laugh.
Jim was one of a kind. Jim was my first friend here at Lake Kiowa. He got me into a lot of trouble, but what fun it was going there. Jim Loved his family, community, and friends. I will miss you my friend.
Jim was the funniest and kindest !
He will be missed..
Love you Pat