James Williams

James S. Williams, 63, of Mansfield, died unexpectedly Monday evening, February 22, 2010 at his home. Born November 12, 1946 in Ashland, he was the son of Ross and Mildred Steward Williams. Jim was employed as a supervisor with Sir Steak Machinery and was previously employed for 20 years with Valenite as a sales engineer and as a sales representative for Strong Tool in Lexington. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for his service during the Vietnam War while stationed at Subich Bay in the Philippines. Jim was a member of the Ashland Elks, V.F.W. Post #3494, Ashland American Legion and Moose Lodge of Mansfield. He loved to golf, achieving the ultimate high point when he had a hole-in-one at Mohican Hills Golf Course, winning $15, 000 in 2007. Jim was also an accomplished musician and drummer in the Mike Michaels Band during the 1970s and with Backstreet during the 1980s. A 1964 graduate of Black River High School, he was actively involved in planning his high school reunions.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Goldsmith Williams; mother, Mildred Steward of Ashland; three brothers, Thomas Donna Williams and Ronald Sheri Williams, all of Ashland and Richard Beth Williams of Crestline; sister, Laura David Reed of Ashland; father-in-law, James J. Joan Goldsmith of Mansfield; mother-in-law, Gloria James Daniels of Lodi; one brother-in-law, Michael Jenifer Goldsmith of Shiloh; two sisters-in-law, Lisa Zimmerman and Judith Goldsmith, both of Mansfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Ross Williams and brother-in-law, James J. Goldsmith, Jr.

Friends may visit from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Bob O'Brian officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in care of the funeral home for a fund establishing a golf scholarship through the Ashland Elks club to be awarded to an area high school senior.