James Dickson (J. D.) Williams, 86, of Cole Camp, passed away Sunday, January 24, 2016, at his home.  He was born on May 25, 1929, at Ionia, Missouri, a son of Gordon (Dick) and Opal Anna (Martin) Williams.

J. D. attended grade school through the 8th grade in Ionia and was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Ionia on June 8, 1941.  In 1947, he graduated from Cole Camp High School.  He served his country honorably in the United States Marines from 1951 - 1953.

On August 24, 1957, he was united in marriage to Carol Pritzel at Mt. Hulda Lutheran Church near Cole Camp by Rev. Oscar Heimsoth.  This union was blessed with the gift of two children:  Kevin and Angie.

On February 23, 1958, he was confirmed at Mt. Hulda Lutheran Church near Cole Camp and later transferred his membership to Trinity Lutheran Church, Cole Camp.  From 1954 to 1992, he was the Ionia postmaster for the United States Postal Service.  He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 305 of Cole Camp.  After his retirement, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren's baseball and soccer games and dance recitals, shuttling cars for WK Chevrolet,  reading, and working in the yard.

He is survived by:
his wife, Carol Williams of the home;
his daughter, Angie Williams of Kansas City;
his son, Kevin Williams and his wife Linda of Liberty;
four brothers, Gordon Williams and his wife Eleanor of Liberty, David Williams of Warsaw, Larry Williams of Independence, and Keith Berry and his wife Marsha of Kansas City;
two grandchildren, Bryan Williams and his wife Emylee and Mallory Gooch and her husband Jordan,
an aunt, Ozetta Elley of Kansas City, Kansas, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick Williams and Opal Williams Berry.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, with Pastor Jeffrey Kuddes officiating.  Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Cole Camp, with military honors by the American Legion Post No. 305 of Cole Camp.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cole Camp.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Benton County Hospice in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Williams, Jordan Gooch, Steve Pritzel, Alex Pritzel, Robin Pritzel, Don Viebrock, Darren Williams, and Scott Williams.

More From AM 1050 KSIS