Full Obituary

     JAMES R. WILLIAMS, SR., age 69, of Willard, WI, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, WI with his family by his side.  Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Cuddie Funeral Home in Greenwood, WI.  Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh will officiate, and burial will follow in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Willard.  Pallbearers will be: Sam Elling, Dan Holmes, Joe Anderson, Dean Anderson, Daniel Mertens, and Darren Mertens.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, from 9am until time of service.
     James Robert Williams was born on November 13, 1954 in Stanley, WI to Dewey and Clara (Fillipeck) Williams.  He attended Reseburg country school and later Thorp elementary school.  Jim graduated from Thorp High School in 1973.  He was united in marriage to Diane F. Holmes on April 3, 1976 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp.  Together, they farmed and raised four children.  Dairy farming was his life.  While farming, Jim also worked at Elmdale Cheese factory for 2 1/2 years, and he attended various agricultural related classes at Chippewa Valley Technical College.  In 1988, they moved to Willard, where he purchased his second and last farm.  In 2022, he sold the farm to his sons, James, Jr. and Adam.
     Deer hunting was his favorite pastime.  Jim "Never missed a season in 58 years."  He also enjoyed fishing, going to the casino, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.  They were his prized possessions.  Everybody loved "Papa."
     He will be dearly missed by his wife of 48 years, Diane, of Willard; his four children: Jason (Trish) of Greenwood, James Jr. (Peggy Noeldner) of Greenwood, Heather (John) Brecht of Loyal, Adam (Emily) of Willard; six grandchildren: Parker, Kaden, Clara, Jack, Sonja, and Gus; one brother: Rollin Williams of New Berlin, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
     Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Richard and Darrel; one sister: Shirley Williams; and one granddaughter: Samantha Leigh Noeldner.