John was born in Palisade, Nebraska and raised on a farm in eastern Colorado by his parents Guy and Marie Williams. One of three children, John was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother Jim and sister Esta.
John was married to Jimmie Lou Brown, the love of his life for 50 years! She preceded him in death in 2013. He is survived by his two children, son Phil (Sharee) Williams and daughter Julie (Kaz Itaya) Williams, five grandchildren (Bailey, Jackson, Lincoln, McKay, Tomoyuki), and two great-grandchildren (Bennett, Wesley), all of whom he loved very deeply.
John and Jimmie lived in the Globe-Miami area between 1979 and 1982, and again from 1998 to 2013 during retirement. After Jimmie’s death in 2013, John lived with his daughter Julie’s family in Arizona and Nevada until his recent passing.
John graduated from high school in Haxtun, Nebraska, and attended college prior to being drafted into the Army. He served in Korea from 1958-1960, receiving an honorable discharge.
John worked much of his adult life as a cowboy, ranch hand, furrier, and horse trainer, prior to his career with the Arizona Department of Transportation where he worked as a carpenter and highway maintenance technician.
John loved competing in rodeos and livestock events and was titled Wyoming Reserve State Champion in 1972 as a team roper. Most impressive is that John was left-handed and roped with his dominant hand, making the sport even more difficult to master. He was also an accomplished calf roper and enjoyed steer wrestling.
John’s vast talents continued into leather work, welding and carpentry. He made bits and spurs with Jimmie, an accomplished silversmith and engraver. They crafted and sold many beautiful pieces over the years, including chaps, reins, bridles, belts, and other tooled leather pieces. A skilled furniture maker, John created and sold many beautiful items. His finest pieces are now cherished in his children's homes, each one a daily reminder of his talent, generosity, and the profound impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him.
John’s love of horses and Western culture continued throughout his life. An avid reader, John’s favorite author was Louis L'Amour; he read and remembered every one of L’Amour’s nearly 200 written works. John could always be trusted to find a daily rodeo or two on the Cowboy Channel. He shared a love for baseball and the Arizona Diamondbacks with his wife Jimmie (even though they were never quite as good after trading Goldschmidt!)
John passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in Las Vegas, Nevada. His family will hold a private memorial service in Arizona.
You can remember John Williams by going to a rodeo, watching a Diamondbacks game, or ordering ham and eggs at your local diner (or a taco at Guayo’s on the Trail when in Globe).
We love you Dad, rest now and enjoy being with your sweetheart again!
