James L. “Jim” Williams

James L. “Jim” Williams was born in Springfield, to Jerry David and Vickey Sue on Sept. 29, 1959. Williams graduated from Marshfield High School in 1977 with “acceptable” grades. He grew up around horses and cattle, often helping his dad, Ron Alexander, with the task of the day. When he was old enough, Williams headed to Nebraska to work on a ranch. In 1980, he returned to the area and found a job with Frazier Brothers Incorporated, building electric transmission lines across the country. He competed in rodeos on the weekends, entering the saddle bronc and bareback events, and, if you go by the pictures, he never got bucked off. Around this time, Jim met Debbie Carpenter, whom he and his friends nicknamed “The School Teacher.” They got married and had three children.
Williams managed Brentwood Farms for 10 years and then worked in construction for a time, but his passion was always buying, selling, and trading old western antiques and collectibles. Eventually, he was able to do this full time; he traveled all over the country attending shows, sourcing inventory, and taking in the countryside.
He also enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors for the National Bit, Spur, and Saddle Collectors Association for the last nine years, and will be nominated to their Hall of Fame for his contribution.
Williams was preceded in death by his father Jerry. He is survived by his children: Marie Drenon and her husband Kyle; Jake Williams and his wife Zarene, as well as a grandchild; Wyatt Williams and his fiancé Maria Galloza; parents Ron and Vickey Alexander; and siblings Bruce Williams, Angie Dold, Rebecca Lee, Matthew Williams, and Scott Williams and his wife Trena.
A memorial visitation was from 1-3 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2022, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North.