James Edward Williams, 96 of Huntsville died January 2, 2018. He was born March 19, 1921 in Delmar, Alabama to the late Thomas McPherson Williams and Mary Long Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, T. McPherson Williams, Jr., Elbert C. Williams, twin John E. Williams; and sister, Mary Ellen Williams Ducander.
Jim was a navigator during World War II where his plane was shot down over occupied France. He evaded capture for over three months with the help and generosity of the French Underground. Jim attained the rank of Captain during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the 8th Air Force Strategic Air Command. He was awarded the Air Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster and Purple Heart.
An avid Auburn fan, Jim earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University in 1947 where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He worked for Marshall Space Flight Center/NASA for over twenty-five years where he was instrumental in the development of the Saturn missile systems and space shuttle engines. After retirement from NASA, he continued his contributions to the space program with Rockwell Corporation.
He is survived by his wife, Willie H. Williams; daughter, Mary W. Brinkley; son, James E. Williams, Jr. (Gwen); grandchildren, James C. Brinkley, Jr. (Roxanne), W. Benjamin Brinkley (Allison), Emily W. Gray (Noah), Molly A. Williams, and Margaret A. Williams; and great-grandchildren, James C. Brinkley III, T. Benjamin Brinkley, Alexander B. Brinkley, Hannah V. Gray, Bailey E. Lewis, W. Bryson Lewis and J. Benjamin Lewis. Thank you to special caregiver Gwen Cherry and the staff of Grandview Gardens for their love and support. Thank you also to the staff of Whitesburg Gardens and Hospice of North Alabama during his final days.
The funeral will be at 1:00 Friday, January 5, 2018 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Rev. Coy Hallmark officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
