James R. "Jim" Williams, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in Big Rapids. He was born in Bakersfield, California on November 26, 1947, to the late James and Helen (Claypool) Williams. Jim graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1965 and volunteered to serve his nation in the United States Air Force in May of 1966. In the Air Force he was trained as an Air Police (now known as Security Force). He was selected for "Operation Safeside", the beginning of the Air Base Ground Defense for the Air Force in Vietnam. During the training phase he spent time at Fort Benning for Ranger School and Schofield Barracks in Hawaii for Combat Defensive Tactics. He served in the Republic of Vietnam at the Binh Thuy Air Base and was charged with airfield defense, recon and ambush patrols, forward observation posts and as part of a quick reaction force for downed pilots and other situations. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Air Force Commendation medal in support of his actions during Vietnam. On November 9, 1968, after his return from Vietnam he married the love of his life, Kathleen "Kathy" Williams. Following the wedding, they made their home in Grand Forks, North Dakota and later moved to Big Rapids when he was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force. In Big Rapids, he began his law enforcement career in 1972 that spanned just under 32 years at Ferris State University. Jim also taught at Ferris in the Criminal Justice program and the Michigan Police Corps. During that time, they raised their three children, Brian (Jessica), Mike (Richelle), and Laura. After Jim retired from Ferris State University, he helped create the Public Safety program at the Mecosta Osceola Career Center where he taught for eight years. During this time, he played the ever-important role of grandfather for his grandkids, Braeden (Da Boy), Emma (Em), Katie (Bug), Jenna (JJ), and Lauryn (Peanut). He was immensely proud of them and their greatest cheerleader! Jim was active as an adult leader for the Boy Scout Troop 114 in Big Rapids. He loved his time leading and mentoring the scouts during camping trips and especially enjoyed when the troop served on Mackinac Island as the Honor Guard. He was also an avid supporter of Big Rapids Cardinals and Ferris State athletics going to as many sporting events to cheer on the Cards and Dawgs! Jims greatest joy was people. He knew no stranger and always greeted everyone with his memorable smile, a great story, and a big hug or handshake. Jim was given many endearing nicknames over the years by his admirers (Jimmy Earl, Crusty, Jimmy Jamster, Papa Bear, Jimmer, Old Guy, Pops, Sarge, Grandpa, Pa and Willy). He was known for his gifts of a peppermint candy, Hersey Kiss and most recently a P-51 military can opener! Everyone Jim met ended up with a genuine friend for life and someone that would do anything for them in their time for need. Jim lived and loved to the fullest. He had a knack for making people feel loved and important and also making lifelong impacts on countless lives across the world. Jim took it upon himself to send hundreds of boxes of local venison products overseas to our deployed men and women and touched the lives of many he never met in person. He was blessed with a loving and devoted family, wonderful friends, and a lasting legacy which will follow him for many years to come. He established an elaborate extended family over the years which included the North End Park Group, fellow law enforcement officers, scouts, and active and veteran military members. He will truly be missed by all who had the honor to meet him. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Kathy only six weeks prior to his own. He was also preceded in death four weeks ago by his beloved nephew Sean Johnson. His children, and grandchildren survive him. Jim is also survived by Kathys brothers & sisters, who were also his own; Bill (Lori) Johnson and Tom (Becky) Johnson; sisters, Patty (Chuck) Wren and Susie (Bob) Marsh; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, June 30th from 2:00 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home and one hour prior to Mass on Thursday at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made in Jims honor to the Boy Scout Troop 114, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or The Thin Blue Line of Michigan. Arrangements and care entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home. Visitation Wednesday, June 30, 2021 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307 Visitation Wednesday, June 30, 2021 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307 Visitation Thursday, July 1, 2021 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307 Mass of the Resurrection Thursday, July 1, 2021 1:00 PM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307