James L. “Jim” Williams was born in Springfield, Missouri to Jerry David and Vickey Sue on September 29, 1959. Jim 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. As a youngster he and his siblings, Bruce and Angie, would make some spending money by roaming their property in search of golf balls hit from the nearby course, only to sell them back to the players that came searching for them. When he was old enough, Jim headed to Nebraska to work on a ranch. In 1980, he returned to the area and found a job with, as he put it, the “FBI,” 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, who he and his friends nicknamed “The School Teacher.” They got married and had three children.

Jim 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. Over the years, Jim formed great friendships with those he met along the way. To this day his friends can be found all over the U.S., and even overseas. He 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.

Jim was a quiet man, who preferred to observe and assess before piping up with a witty comment or joke that would take you by surprise, and more often than not, make you laugh. For example, he may have told you about his career as a hand model. Jim dabbled in many hobbies over the years. His kids grew up going with him to martial arts practices and tournaments, and they loved looking at the 13 trophies he won over nine years. He was a master builder when it came to Legos. Want to learn how to rope? He could teach you. Need a shed built, a porch added to the back of your home, or a sidewalk poured? You might have called him. He was always a phone call away when his kids needed a repair in their home. He loved learning and writing about history, and recently spent countless hours poring over old west pictures, books, and articles.

While we didn’t know Jim would be leaving us so soon, we are all lucky to have had him near us listening, helping, and making us laugh. He 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 Jim’s only grandchild, Izaak; 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 will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2022, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North.