In Memory Of
James "Jim" D. Williams
1926
2024
James "Jim" D. Williams
May 17, 1926 — May 2, 2024
James "Jim" DeWitt Williams, age 97, of Fairborn passed away on May 2, 2024. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on May 17, 1926 to the late Walter and Grace Williams. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Melva; daughter, Sherrie Williams; brother, Jack Williams and sister, Kate Hurst.
Jim is survived by his children, Coreen (Ben) Gray, Sterling (Sonda) Williams; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and sisters, Francis Campbell and Susan Pixler; along with many other family and friends.
Jim moved to Bauxite, Arkansas where he entered the Marine Corps on March 10, 1944 at the age of 17. He completed advanced combat training and was then shipped to Iwo Jima. After hitting the island, he was wounded and moved to a hospital ship two and a half days later. Jim received a Purple Heart and was discharged on April 23, 1946.
He moved to Rawlins, Wyoming where he met his bride, Melva P. Moore. They were married on January 18, 1947 and lived in Napa, California from 1951-1989. Together they had three children: Sherrie, Sterling and Cory. At the age of 30, Jim went back to school and obtained his high school diploma. He continued his education and in 1974 received a Bachelor Degree in Psychology. In 1989, Jim and Melva moved to Huber Heights to be close to Sterling and the family.
Jim was selected to take the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on October 8, 1992. He was also honored for his service in WWII by Germain Ford at a Dayton Dragon's game. Jim will be honored posthumously on June 20, 2024 by Ford Oval of Hornor at the United States Air Force Museum.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Jim's memory to Faith Baptist Church and Missions, 4215 Indian Ripple Road, Dayton, Ohio 45440 or send through www.includefaith.org/give.
To share a memory of Jim or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Jim is survived by his children, Coreen (Ben) Gray, Sterling (Sonda) Williams; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and sisters, Francis Campbell and Susan Pixler; along with many other family and friends.
Jim moved to Bauxite, Arkansas where he entered the Marine Corps on March 10, 1944 at the age of 17. He completed advanced combat training and was then shipped to Iwo Jima. After hitting the island, he was wounded and moved to a hospital ship two and a half days later. Jim received a Purple Heart and was discharged on April 23, 1946.
He moved to Rawlins, Wyoming where he met his bride, Melva P. Moore. They were married on January 18, 1947 and lived in Napa, California from 1951-1989. Together they had three children: Sherrie, Sterling and Cory. At the age of 30, Jim went back to school and obtained his high school diploma. He continued his education and in 1974 received a Bachelor Degree in Psychology. In 1989, Jim and Melva moved to Huber Heights to be close to Sterling and the family.
Jim was selected to take the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on October 8, 1992. He was also honored for his service in WWII by Germain Ford at a Dayton Dragon's game. Jim will be honored posthumously on June 20, 2024 by Ford Oval of Hornor at the United States Air Force Museum.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Jim's memory to Faith Baptist Church and Missions, 4215 Indian Ripple Road, Dayton, Ohio 45440 or send through www.includefaith.org/give.
To share a memory of Jim or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" D. Williams, please visit our flower store.
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