Obituary of Jimmy Dawes Williams Jr.

Jimmy Dawes Williams Jr. was born on December 4, 1949 in Hamilton, Alabama. He was an only child born to the late James D. and Vinnie (Stidham) Williams.   Jimmy attended Lincoln Park High School and graduated with the Class of 1968.   Jimmy was drafted into the United States Army where he served honorably during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971 in the 104th Engineer Division.

He married the former, Robbin Hilyard on May 4, 1990 in Taylor.  For many years, Jimmy worked for different suppliers in the automotive industry.   He would spend five years at Northstar Steel in the maintenance department before medically retiring in 2004.   A talented journeyman welder, he often performed work for local farmers at cost.   Although he was quite unsociable, he always carried interesting conversations with his clients.  

Jimmy had a lifelong love of music.   He would play bass for “Mojave Rain” a popular local wedding band.   Well-known for his lack of a filter and ability to call and share his horrible, “Jimmy Jokes”; Jimmy was helpful, loving, wise to the ways of the world, and willing to share advice.  

For many years, “Fuzzy Papa” as he was called by the grandchildren suffered from poor health, but he always enjoyed the company of family, and tried to stay busy especially enjoying yardwork.   He was an avid Detroit Tiger fan.   Jimmy was a lifelong member of B.V. Goodrich VFW Post in Lincoln Park where he played in a pool league, and being a “Shark” he could run the table with ease.   He was a vehicle guy owning corvettes and motorcycles always keeping them pristine, and his hobby of collecting slot cars led to building unique towns.

Jimmy, age 67 of Monroe passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.   His passing was preceded by his parents.

To cherish his memory, Jimmy leaves his beloved wife: Robbin; children: Ryan (Sirena) Williams, Alicia (Carlos) Ochoa, and Michelle (Jim) Grunow; grandchildren: Logan, Aiden, Connor, Ava, James, Owen, Hannah and Cameron; and his mother-in-law and caregiver: Phyllis Cooley.

Friends may gather on Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 2:00-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.   A Celebration of His Life will be held on Friday, December 1, at 11:00am also at Merkle’s.   Procession will follow to Northside Cemetery.

Memorials for those who wish are suggested to B.V. Goodrich VFW Post in Lincoln Park. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.