James Williamson

James Vanor Williamson 82, of Lorena, went to be with his Lord and Savior shortly after midnight on May 1, 2014. The family will receive visitors, Friday, May 2, 2014 at Pecan Grove Funeral Home 3124 Robinson Dr., from 5-7 pm. Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Lorena at 10 am on Saturday, May 3rd with Dr. David George officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
Jim was born in Kilbourne, Louisiana on November 21, 1931. He grew up in Mobile, Alabama. When Jim was 16, he joined the United States Air Force. (His mom fibbed on his birth year so he could enlist!) He served his country in the Korean War. He spent several years in Japan and developed a love for the Far East. Later, he would travel extensively to the Far East on business.

While stationed at the Air Force base in Alexandria, Louisiana, Jim met a beautiful young nurse, Dickie Dickerson. They met on a blind date and were inseparable from that day forward. They married on 11/21/1953, Jim’s 22nd birthday. Just ten months later their first daughter, Debbie, was born. Jim was always a hard worker. He worked part-time while attending Indiana Tech to earn his Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering and Math. A few years later, Jim and Dickie had two more daughters, Teresa and Linda.

Jim had a successful and productive career in manufacturing management. He worked mostly for hi-tech companies and was admired and respected by all those he worked for and with. Jim was a soft spoken man who was able to accomplish much through his sharp mind, wisdom, and the respect he showed everyone he came in contact with.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was kindhearted and thoughtful and always put others before himself. He also loved to fish and hunt squirrel. He loved the Lord and we celebrate that he is living with Jesus in glory and we will one day see him again.

Jim is predeceased by his mother and step-father Flora & Dick Mitchell, father and step-mother Noah and Ruby Williamson, his brother Vernon Williamson, and his grandson Barrett Minor.

Jim is survived by his wife of more than 60 years Dickie Williamson, his daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Chuck Pappas, his daughter and son-in-law Teresa & Mark Minor, and his daughter Linda Zust. He is also survived by six grandsons, James Pappas, Brady Minor and his wife Alyssa, Michael Zust, Jason Zust, Alexander Zust, and Kevin Zust and two great grandchildren Jackson Minor and Ella Pappas. Jim is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Richard and Cathy Williamson and their daughter Regina and granddaughter Naomi, also his sister-in-law Mary Williamson, her sons Dennis Williamson and Mark Williamson and their wives and children. He is also survived by their “adopted” family Wendy and Dan Miller and their sons Nathan and Joshua.

Memorials may be made to Providence Hospice or to First Baptist Church of Lorena. We are extremely grateful for the care provided by Providence Hospice as they lovingly cared for our husband and father in his final days.