James Elmer Williams

James Elmer Williams was born November 8, 1934 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to James Lester and Opal Angeline (Taylor) Williams. He passed peacefully on Saturday, October 9, 2021 in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the age of 86 surrounded by his loving family.
James graduated from Sumner high school in 1952. He then received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from Oklahoma A and M college in 1956 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. James and the love of his life, Lynda Lucille Maxwell were married on December 23, 1956 in the Presbyterian Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and soon moved to Pensacola, Florida.
James entered the Marine Corps flight school and graduated in 1957 qualifying in single and multi-engine fixed wing planes and helicopters. He and Lynda moved to Jacksonville North Carolina where he was stationed at the New River Air Facility near Camp Laguine. While in the Marine Corps James flew helicopters, spending seven months in the Mediterranean Sea on an aircraft carrier and a portion of that time in Beirut Lebanon when Eisenhower landed troops there.
He returned to Stillwater in 1960 and entered graduate school at Oklahoma State University, studying agriculture economics. In 1962 he began working with his father and his uncle putting together a farming operation known as Green Acres Farm. For many years, in addition to working on the farm he dedicated himself to actively participating in many agriculture organizations. He was a member of the Payne County Cattlemen, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, a director on Payne and Noble County Conservation Districts, a member of East Central Oklahoma’s FLBA, Wichita Farm Credit Bank Board, and after a merger, the board of US AG Bank serving 10 states. James served on Central Rural Electric Cooperative’s board of directors for over 30 years. He and Lynda were both members of the Stillwater First Presbyterian Church and had served as Deacons and Elders. James was also active in many organizations. Stepping into officer and chairmanship positions on many occasions. He enjoyed life to the fullest with his wonderful wife.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Lynda; two daughters, Barbara Jo Walters and husband Dallan, and Jamie Lou Pratz and husband Richard all of Stillwater, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Amanda Walters, Colton Pratz, Kristin Hankins(Bob), Kyle Pratz, and Garett Walters(Jazmyn); and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, James and Gregory Williams; and one brother, Donald Williams.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 9AM to 8PM at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, Stillwater with family greeting guests from 6PM to 8PM. Funeral services will be 10AM Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater with Pastor Leah Hrachovec officiating. Pallbearers will be Kurtis Sears, Garrett Walters, Colton Pratz, Steve King, and Kyle Pratz. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Schenk, Norman Durham, Norv Stunkel, Scott King, and Harold Myers. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Stillwater.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 2nd Mile Sewing in c/o Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK., 74075.