Richard James Williams, 74, passed away Thursday, March 11, 1999 in Mesa, Az. He was born Nov. 4, 1925 in Hibbing, Mn. to George H. and Beatrice (Caddy) Williams.
In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy and served two years stationed in the Pacific. Upon his return, he graduated from Dunwoody Technical Institute of Minneapolis, Mn. specializing as an automotive technician.
On June 16, 1951 in Hibbing, he was united in marriage to Joan Minter. They moved to International Falls, Mn. where he began work at Keyes Garage. He later worked for Sheridan Motors, becoming service manager for 18 years.
In 1969, he began work at School District 361 as a custodian and was promoted to transportation director in 1977, where he remained until his retirement in 1988.
He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and pilot. He enjoyed taking his family on camping and fishing trips, and eventually purchased land and built a cabin in Saginaw Bay, which became the focal point for many family vacations.
He was a member of the Masonic Temple for a number of years. He also became a member of First Baptist Church in 1979 and served as a deacon.
He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Florence Grover.
Survivors include his wife, Joan; son, Todd (Dianne) of Fort Frances, Ont.; daughters, Tracy (Lindsay) Jones of Edgewater, Co., and Hilary (Michael) Ramsey; grandchildren, Andrew Ramsey, Abigail Jones, and Emily Jones; brother, George J. of Mesa; and sisters, Grace Olney of Seattle, Wash. and Beatrice Olson of Grantsburg, Wis.
Disposition was cremation by Green Acres Mortuary in Scottsdale, Az.
A memorial service in International Falls will be announced at a later date.