James Williams

James “Jim” Williams, 82 of North Salem, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 4, 2022.  Below is a tribute written by his loving family.

James “Jim” Williams left this world suddenly on July 4, 2022, at the age of 82, at his home in North Salem, Indiana.

Jim Williams was born to Joseph V. Williams and Angeline (Wudi) Williams in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret “Peg” (Smith) Williams, just three months prior to his passing, and his brother, Robert “Bob” L. Williams.

Jim played basketball at Brownsburg High School and later moved to North Salem. His junior Year, North Salem Blue Devils won the 2nd sectional in the school’s history, with Jim being the highest scorer. They played against Crispus Attucks for the state title which was a huge excitement for the Hendricks County community.

After high school, Jim worked on the family farm in Clermont, Indiana where his family raised tomatoes for a factory in Indianapolis. His brother, Joe, says he’s never grown a tomato since. Jim married the love of his life, Margaret “Peg” Smith, January 10, 1962. They were married 60 years.

A few years after they were married, Peg and Jim started a farm at their home in North Salem. There they worked as a family to survive hard times and worked together to build a future. Jim was still farming with his children and oldest grandson, Austin, until his death.

Jim is survived by his three children, his daughter, Michelle (Van) Lawson, and his two sons, Kenneth Williams and David Williams. They were blessed with six grandchildren, Sarah (Jimmy) Barclay, Alexandra Lawson, Hattie Lawson, Austin Williams, Corbin Williams, and Madison Williams; and two great-grandchildren, Grayson James Barclay and Benson Isaac Barclay.

We could think of no better way to honor our father than a celebration of life at his farm, Friday, July 29, 2022, 5278 W County Road 800 North, North Salem, Indiana. There will be a small informal service at 3:00 pm followed by an open house for family, friends and community. A reunion style meal will be served by family with fireworks in the evening. Please bring stories you would like to share.  If you feel uncomfortable sharing your story, please consider bringing your written story for the family to cherish in the days to follow.  Jim will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery alongside his beloved wife, Peg, with a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eel River Township Fire and Rescue.

Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services.  All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with Jim's family on his memorial page found on the funeral home's website, www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com .