Jim “Steck” Williams went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 22, 2018, with his family by his side.
Born on September 18, 1933, he was a son of the late Raymond H. and Ruth F. (Mayer) Williams. He graduated from Catawissa High School. Stecky began his barber business in Benton in 1957, and a year later opened a shop in Elysburg, where he joyfully served the area for 61 years.
Stecky LOVED the Elysburg community. He had a passion for sports and treasured children, which promoted his involvement in starting little league in Elysburg, and his participation with football at Southern Columbia High School. In his early years, he was a high school and college referee for soccer. He was a devoted fan of Southern Columbia Sports, where he was on the “chain gang” for SCA Football for 20 years, and a score keeper for the SCA Wrestling team for 35 years. He was inducted into the Bernie Romanoski Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2009, he was the recipient of the SCA Distinguished Alumnus. He also served as Judge of Election for Ralpho Township.
Jim was a charter member of Elysburg Alliance Church, where he was very active, serving as an elder, deacon, youth leader, and a member of the board. He was part of Shamokin Area Christian Layman, which has run a park service at Knoebels and J & D camp grounds for 50 years. He was a member of the board of the Northumberland County Child Evangelism Fellowship. Stecky was a lay speaker and filled the pulpit, in more than thirty churches over the years.
Jim was married to his childhood sweetheart, Marian, for 64 years. Together they had 4 children: son, David Williams and wife Susan, Catawissa; son, Dan Williams and wife Valerie, Elysburg; and twins, Pastor Doug Williams and wife Naomi, State College; and Dr. Deb Davies and husband Dr. Todd Davies, Macungie. He was a wonderful “Grandpa” to 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a sister, Lorraine McLaughlin, Bloomsburg; sister-in-law, Roberta Sidler, Danville; and 3 nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was greeted in heaven by his grandson, Joshua Williams.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Elysburg Alliance Church, with his son, Pastor Doug Williams officiating. Family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Jim Williams, are suggested to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Northumberland County, 53 Blue Hill, Northumberland, PA 17857-8667 or Elysburg Alliance Church, 13 Alpha Avenue, Elysburg, PA 17824 or All Home Days, Box 308, Elysburg, PA 17824.
Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com.