James R. Williams, 64, passed away on Tuesday, July 26th, in his home after a long illness surrounded by his family.

His wife, Marilyn (Rivera-Santos) Williams, passed away in 2007. He leaves his two daughters, Brianna M. Williams of Webster and Dannielle J. Williams of Oxford; his two step daughters, Yucchabelle Cote of Ashland and Marilyn Crowley of Butler, PA; his sister, Margaret A. Dowling and her husband Peter; his three brothers, Paul Williams and his wife Randi of Marblehead, Thomas Williams of Brookfield and Robert Williams of Monson; and nieces and nephews. He was born in Springfield the son of the late Roger J. and Barbara E. (Taylor) Williams. He was a graduate of Tantasqua Regional High School and went on to earn his bachelors degree from Northeastern University in Boston in Criminal Justice. He also served in the US Army in Germany.

James worked for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, retiring several years ago. He previously worked as a correctional officer.                       

Jim loved bowling and belonged to a bowling league in Spencer. He loved all sports, but especially enjoyed football. He coached flag football and basketball at the YMCA in Southbridge. Jim had a great interest in politics. Most of all he was his daughter’s biggest fan, attending and encouraging his daughters in all of their endeavors. He was a real girl dad.

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