James N Williams

James Nolan Williams was born in Hamlet, NC on February 10, 1956 to parents Nancy Gibbons Williams and Bernard Williams. Jim grew up with younger brother, Mark Williams and younger sister Mary Williams. Because Bernard served in the United States Air Force, the Williams family moved quite a bit - Goldsboro, NC; Bellvue, Nebraska; Charleston, SC; Riverside, CA; and Garner, NC.

Once settled down in Garner, Jim attended and graduated from Garner Senior High. After High School, Jim attended the Electronic Computer Program Institute during the day, and worked at the Winn Dixie Warehouse at night.

Jim then joined the United States Navy and served as a Sonar Technician. Jim was very fond of his Navy years and always looked back on them with a smile. Through the years, he kept in touch and had visits with his former ship mates.

Jim credits the Navy to bringing him to the love of his life. In 1980, Jim ported in to Olongapo, Philippines. There, he met Rosita Mangosing Climaco. Jim and Rosie felt such a strong and instant connection that they decided to become pen pals. They wrote back and forth over the course of a year until Jim proposed to Rosie.

Jim and Rosie had a wonderful marriage together and Jim would always say how Rosie was, “the best thing that ever happened to him”. Their personalities really complimented each other and were married for 36 years. In the course of their marriage, they had two children, Christopher Lawrence Climaco Williams and Stephanie Climaco Williams.

Though Jim and his family started out in Long Beach, CA, Jim and Rosie moved the family to beautiful San Diego, CA. Jim and Rosie bought a house in the Paradise Hills area of San Diego where he lived for the rest of his life. Jim worked as a field technician for the Ricoh Corporation until he retired in 2014.

Jim was a real family man and loved nothing more than spending time with his wife and children. Traveling was important to Jim in raising his family. He would take his family on trips as often as he could and visited places like: Charleston, SC, Las Vegas, NV, San Francisco, CA, road trips to Arizona and Utah, and yearly trips to the Del Mar Fair. Camping and visiting National Parks were among Jim’s favorite places to travel - taking his family to Zion, the Redwood Forest, Sierra Nevadas and Mt. Laguna.

Jim ended up with five grandchildren - Christian Williams, Jenna Trillo, Chloe Trillo, Evan Williams and Ethan Williams. He loved his grandchildren with all his heart and would do anything for them. Jim was unbelievably proud of his family.

Other than his family, Jim had a real love and passion for music. He played the guitar and piano. Jim had a piano as well as a wide collection of various types of guitars and amps. While Jim could read and play music, he liked composing his own music and even played with some co-workers as a hobby band. When Jim wasn’t playing music on his own, he would listen to a variety of music every night. Punk, Rock, Oldies, and Motown were among his favorite genres of music. Jim loved attending concerts and has seen legends such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, The Who, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Eric Clapton, The Four Tops and The Rolling Stones.

Reading books was also one of Jim’s favorite hobbies. His book collection is quite impressive and he would read daily. Jim would read his books on the balcony of his house while taking in the fresh air and enjoying the neighborhood scenery.

Jim had an unparalleled thirst for knowledge. If discussing or watching about a certain topic, he would always investigate and research further on the topic as a whole. Anyone who engaged in conversation with Jim were kept on their intellectual toes and were charmed by his wit.

Most of all, Jim loved life and knew how to relax and have a good time. He enjoyed watching movies and having an evening drink. Jim was the life of the party and his presence will surely be missed by those who knew him. Rest in peace, Jim. We love you so incredibly much and will see you someday in Heaven.