Jim Williams

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

James Robert Williams, Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 9, 2018. He was 69.

Born on May 17, 1948, to Paul F. and Katherine (Wilbur) Williams, and affectionately known by family and friends as “Jungle Jim,” he was a lifelong resident of the Sarcoxie/Reeds area.

Jim was a career truck driver, transporting livestock and goods across all 48 of the continental United States over a career that spanned nearly fifty years and he passed away doing what he loved.

A loving father and grandfather, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, joking, laughing, and bringing a smile to people’s face.

Jim married Catherine Louise Williams of Avilla.

The couple had two sons, Jeffrey Allen Williams of Carthage and Thomas Langston Williams of Joplin.

Though Jim and Cathy later divorced, they remained friends until Jim’s death.

Jim is survived by Jeff and his two sons, Nash and Max; and Tom; brother, Fred, and his wife, Lynn Williams, of Sarcoxie, brother, Wesley Williams, and his wife, Sandra, of Sarcoxie, brother, Ronnie Williams, and his wife, Nancy, of Neosho; sister, Twyla Harper, and her husband, Tom, of Carthage; along with many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Jungle.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sue Cook, in 1993; and his brother, Richard, in October 2017.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri, with Pastor Wayne Rose officiating. Burial will follow in the Sarcoxie Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5 –7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Red Cross in care of the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.