James Eugene Williams

James Eugene Williams was born November 10, 1932, to Charles Edward and Helen Williams in Fairmount, KS. He graduated from Basehor High School and served in the Army in Korea. As an adult, he became owner of Pioneer Millwork and then continued to work with other lumber companies in the area. He also had a particular interest in home building and built homes for the family and himself. 

Jim was known to be a quiet man with a sweet smile. He was very generous and always looked out for family and friends. In 1997, his first wife Evelyn died of Parkinson’s disease after 49 years of marriage. He had one daughter, Paula. Several years later, Jim met a widow whose husband had also died of Parkinson’s. Their friendship led to their eventual marriage. Shirley Smith Morefield and Jim Williams just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary on August 23, 2024.

After being the loving caretakers for their spouses for so many years, Jim and Shirley shared the next twelve years traveling and enjoying life. Their favorite places were on the Atlantic coast, mostly Florida and especially Sarasota. They also had a timeshare which provided many opportunities for enjoying unfamiliar places and adventures. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edward and Helen Williams, his first wife Evelyn, a brother Dale, and a sister Gerri.  He is survived by his brother Melvin, loving wife, Shirley, daughter Paula Lamb (Michael) Basehor, KS; his grand-daughter Brittany Bova (Dave), Basehor, KS; his grandson Nicholas Smith (Hillary) Kansas City, MO and 4 great grandchildren. Shirley’s family were always very close to Jim and share intimately in grieving his loss: Richard Morefield (Judy) Leawood, KS; Lyn Miller (Larry) Richmond, TX and grandchildren Stephen Morefield, Michael Morefield, Ashley Foote, Matthew Morefield, Kelly Phillips and Kara Suckling. Also,10 great-grandchildren .

Both Jim and Shirley have continued to be avid supporters of Parkinson’s research. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the American Cancer Society.