James 'Jim' Leo Williams

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- James "Jim" Leo Williams, 65, died Sunday (April 26, 2003).

He was born May 17, 1937, in Bakersfield, Calif., to Orval and Gretchen (Edwards) Williams. They later moved to Nebraska and he graduated from Benkelman High School in 1956.

On Aug. 30, 1959, he married Reta Ann Parker in Benkelman. They made their home first in Denver, Colo., later moving to Bakersfield. He entered into a family custom harvesting business with his father and brother and later he became an independent contractor.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include his wife, Reta; sons, Randy and Rick; his mother, Gretchen; a brother, Gene Williams and wife, Ann; two daughters-in-law, Susan and Heather; and four grandsons.

A celebration of life was held Thursday (May 1, 2003) at the Rosedale Church of Christ in Bakersfield. Interment followed at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bakersfield.