Rev. James Haddon (Jim) Williams, 91, of Prosperity, SC died Friday, December 1, 2023 at his residence. Born November 6, 1932, to Emory F Williams, Sr. and Ruth Bailey Williams, he is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Leslie Williams.

A graduate of Abbeville High School, he also graduated in 1956 with a B.A. degree from Erskine College where he met his future wife, who graduated from Erskine in 1955. They married on August 4, 1956.

Rev. Jim Williams received a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1958 from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Williams was admitted in to the South Carolina United Methodist Conference.

He was appointed to several churches across South Carolina, including two separate appointments as pastor and chaplain for Methodist cadets attending the Citadel in Charleston; and Wightman and Zion both in Prosperity. He and Mary grew an affinity to the people, churches, and area and chose Prosperity to make their home after retiring.

Most recently he served as an Associate Minister and Pastor of Nurture at Central United Methodist and also served Mt Pleasant and Whitmire-Carlisle churches.

He was a longtime leader of the Newberry Democrats, serving as chaplain for fifteen years from 2007-2022, served on the Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, was an active member of Civitan for many years recognized as Outstanding Rural Minister, served on the Board of Trust SC United Methodist Advocate, Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns Comm, Conference Board of Missions, and many others and as a volunteer fireman.

Rev. Williams is survived by his four daughters: Jeanne Williams, Leslie (Bud) Hicklin, Lucy (Ed) Nelson, and Laura Williams; grandchildren, Taylor Empey, Breanne Rogers, James Alex Hicklin, Evan Hicklin, Jayce Nelson, Riley (Bailey) Nelson, Kaitlyn Nelson; great grandchildren, Graham Rittenhouse, Ruby Rogers, and Gemma Rogers; nieces: Rev. Mary Anderson, Cathy Harmon, and Susan Vaughn.

Rev. Williams is predeceased by his brother, Emory F Williams, Jr of Columbia, SC.

He loved his family and was a servant of the Lord his entire life through his service in churches, community service and volunteering. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, was fascinated with hummingbirds, loved hydrangeas, purple Irises, chocolate and fun socks! Jim enjoyed trains and putting up a Christmas Village and train every year and having all the kids come visit.

Funeral service for Rev. Jim Williams will be held at 11am, Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Central United Methodist Church in Newberry. Interment will take place at 2:30 pm at Upper Long Cane Cemetery in Abbeville, SC. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 5-7 PM at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1005 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108, Newberry Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, or the SC Commission of the Blind.

Whitaker Funeral Home 1704 College Street, Newberry ,SC 29108 is assisting the family.