James "Jim" Neal Williams, Sr. passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 87. Jim always knew this earth was not his final home; he was just passing through on his way to heaven. During his final good days when he spoke of his upcoming homecoming, his eyes would leak a little, but then quickly fill with the pure, radiant excitement of a five-year-old on Christmas Eve. Today, his family rejoices knowing he has finally arrived.

Born in Arkansas on July 5, 1938, Jim was the beloved patriarch of his family. He was a man of deep intellect, devotion, and a wonderful sense of humor. Jim would happily tell you himself that he was a man of many talents and a master of few of them.

His life was anchored in his faith. Jim pursued his higher education with purpose, graduating with his bachelor's degree from Ouachita Baptist University (Class of 1963) and earning his Master of Divinity from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas (Class of 1970). For many decades, Jim served faithfully as a pastor and evangelist. Yet, Jim's ministry wasn't confined to a pulpit; he worked hard wherever he was needed, always with a grateful and happy heart. Over his lifetime, the Lord provided Jim with a multitude of paths: he worked in general construction and electrical work, managed a freight warehouse, owned a beauty supply company, worked as a moving company salesman and served as a substitute teacher.

Jim was reunited in heaven with his father, James H. Williams; his mother, Clairse L. Williams; his sister, Dorothy Austin; and his cherished daughter, Rochelle Williams.

His legacy of love and laughter lives on through his surviving family. He was the devoted husband of 35 years to Jean Hutson Williams

He is also survived by his son, J. Williams and his wife Corie; his daughters, Rebekah Stephens and Ruthe Yamasaki; and his step-son, Wynne Hall and his wife JoAnn.

Jim was a proud grandfather to: Manna Yamasaki, Brittany Stephens, Curtis Lowe and his wife Kaitlin, Jarrett Williams and his wife Sarah, Samantha Sinclair, David Sinclair, Johnathan Bullard, and Elisabeth Edwards and her husband Abram; and a great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren.

Jim will be remembered as a man of profound faith, a joyful servant, and a deeply loved patriarch. He has finished his earthly race, left his projects behind, and is finally home