James R. Williams, age 82 of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully, Thursday, February 21, 2013 at his home. He was born January 29, 1931 in Flint the son of Cecil and Lorene (Koewler) Williams. Jim graduated from Flint Northern High School. He attended the University of Michigan until enlisting in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged after serving during the Korean War. Following his discharge, Jim was accepted into Ferris State University's Pharmaceutical program. While attending Ferris, he met a fellow pharmacy student, Janet Todd of Charlevoix. They both successfully completed the Pharmacy program and married in June of 1959. Jim worked with his brother, Bruce at Williams Pharmacy in Swartz Creek for nearly 15 years. In 1975 Jim and Janet moved to Big Rapids and purchased Turner Pharmacy where he worked until his retirement in 1995. Jim was a member of The United Church of Big Rapids, the Big Rapids Elk's Lodge # 974 of Big Rapids and the Michigan Pharmacists Association. He is survived by his beloved wife Janet Williams of Big Rapids; four children, Julie (Joe) Carmody of Grand Rapids, Kenneth (Nadya) Williams of White Lake, David (Beth) Williams of Grand Rapids, Daniel (Amy) Williams of Bunker Hill, WV; 19 grandchildren, Ryan, Caitlin and Connor Carmody; Basil, Yale and Molly Williams; Aaron (Paige), Jordan (Lisa) and Eden Kobernick; Abby, Elizabeth and Sophie Williams; Noah, Lydia and Grace Manger; Lark Mulligan, Carrie (Jason) Mansfield, Hannah and Becca Grace Williams; four great-grandchildren, Caden, Marley, Harper and Dylan; a brother, Clyde Williams of Flint; four sisters-in-law, Barbara (Donald) Bellinger of Elk Rapids, Donalyn "Donnie" McNeill of Midvale, Utah, Betty Williams of Ypsilanti, Christina Williams of Flint and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Kenneth, Jack and Bruce; two sisters, Vetris Treadwell and Onalee Revoldt. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m., Wednesday February 27th at the United Church of Big Rapids with Reverend Jon Fleming officiating. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Big Rapids, Heartland Hospice or Mecosta County R.S.V.P.