James L. Williams

James L. Williams of Fairbury, passed away January 31, 2022, at Gardenside Nursing Home in Fairbury. He was born February 5, 1934, to Harry and Pauline (Scheer) Williams near Mahaska, Kansas.He attended rural schools near Hebron, and then rural school near Reynolds. Graduated from Reynolds High School in 1952. He lived on a farm all his life helping his father and rented some land. He worked at Fairbury Windmill Company and Mead Ammunition Depot for a while.February 20, 1954, he married Betty Dragoo his high school sweetheart. They were blessed with three children. He loved farming and livestock. Quite often he would by a new piece of machinery and remodel it to do the job better to his liking. He did a lot of welding and building. He raised wheat, corn, milo, soybeans, alfalfa and sunflowers. Had grade ‘B’ dairy for a while. Raised sheep and hogs, and was proud of his horses he raised and broke many to ride. Built his own horse barn with riding arena. Had cow calf operation till 75 years old. Retired when 80 years old, but still helped with the farming some. He was a volunteer rural fireman for several years. Served on the Farm Bureau Board and Farm Credit Services Board. He enjoyed belonging to the Saddle Club and going on trail rides. Also enjoyed competing in horse shows in the area. He loved it when the grandchildren and great-grand-children would visit. Always bragging on them!! He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Ann Williams, Cora Craig and Dorrine Milius and great-grandson Levi Hynek. Survivors are his wife Betty of 67 years. Daughter Christine (Ivan) Hildreth. Sons Michael (Cheri) Williams and Russell (Cynthia) Williams. Sister – Loretta Bailey of Memphis Tennessee. Six grandchildren - Brian (Angelica) Williams, Melissa (Jordan) Dux, LaTisha (Nolan) Dux, Jessica (Colby) Hynek, Jared Williams and Aaron (Lauren) Hildreth. Nine great-grandchildren - Mateo and Lucas Williams, Jayce Williams, Emma and Grace Dux, Riata and Cade Hynek, Benjamin, and Elizabeth Hildreth.Funeral Service was February 5, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Fairbury. Gerdes Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury, assisting with arrangements. Burial at Fairbury Cemetery. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com.

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