James M. Williams

James M. Williams was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 8, 1941. Jim was very proud of the historic date because it was the day the United States entered World War II following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He enjoyed talking about blackout shades on St. Mary’s Hospital windows and shaded street lights along Lake Drive. All intended to prevent enemy planes, should they fly across Lake Michigan, from destroying the industrial city of Milwaukee.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bette, and sister, Kathy (Russ) Kortendick. His parents, Mary M. (Satorius) and James G. Williams, preceded him in death.

After his diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s in 2021 Jim was able continue enjoying one of his favorite activities, camping in our small motorhome. Jim’s life-long interest in camping began in the 1950’s when he persuaded his parents to purchase a small three-wheel camping trailer. His adventuresome family traveled the old Route 66 to California.

Jim grew up in West Allis, attended St. Rita’s grade school and Pius XI High School. He graduated with a degree in engineering from UW-Madison and degrees in education and business from UW-Milwaukee. In Madison, Jim was a member of Triangle Engineering Fraternity and shared many fond memories with his “brothers” at their 65th reunion.

After graduation Jim went to work for Kearney and Trecker, a manufacturer of machine tools. The company closed its doors in 1993 but for the next 30 years Jim joined other employees for an annual reunion. Jim taught chemistry and physics at Pewaukee High School before joining ABB Robotics, where he served as project manager for the installation of robots used in manufacturing.

An interest in birdwatching enriched Jim and Bette’s travels in the United States and in many other countries. A member of Wisconsin Society for Ornithology and the Benjamin Goss Bird Club, Jim shared his enthusiasm and learned from others.

Jim’s interest in woodworking grew out of necessity. Newlywed and without furniture in 1966, Jim couldn’t find a sofa he liked. So, with prior carpentry experience limited to completion of a coat rack in a high school woodworking class, Jim built his own sofa. It is still in use. He added dormers to our first home, while remodeling it from top to bottom. In later years, Jim’s tools were used more for “fixing things,” a talent he was proud of.

Jim cared about others, whether it was building cabinets for a friend, driving someone home from the senior center, or using his good sense of direction to help other campers find their way along shifting sand roads in Africa.

Jim’s family is grateful to Azura Memory Care, Oconomowoc, and St. Croix Hospice for the skillful and compassionate care Jim received. We thank the Alzheimer’s Association Pewaukee group for support, and Bridges Library System for Memory Cafes that provide a safe and enjoyable environment for those navigating the memory-loss journey.

Jim will be laid to rest in Gardens of Stonebank. A celebration of his life to be held at a future date.