07/29/2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of MG Jim Williams.
Major General (Ret.) James Robert Williams
May 29, 1934 – July 23, 2026
IN THE CARE OF
Schoedinger Margarum Northeast
Major General (Ret.) James Robert Williams, age 92, passed away on July 23, 2026, in Copley, Ohio.
Born on May 29, 1934, in Xenia, Ohio, Jim grew up in Washington Court House, where he graduated from Washington Court House High School in 1952. He attended The Ohio State University and later graduated from the State University of New York, B.S. in Biological Sciences.
Jim's career life followed military and civilian paths. Jim proudly served 42 years in the Ohio Army National Guard (1952–1994), rising to the rank of Major General. His military career was marked by steadfast leadership, deep commitment to his soldiers, and an unwavering sense of duty. He carried those values into civilian life, beginning his radiography career in Youngstown before moving to Gahanna, where he worked for the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Jim retired as Director of Ohio EMA, then embarked on another chapter of service as the Director of Emergency Management for the City of Gahanna. Each time Jim retired, his drive to serve others led him to a new mission.
A man of faith and fellowship, Jim was a devoted member of Mifflin Presbyterian Church and served in many rolls. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the members and friends of Mifflin Church for their years of kindness, care, and support.
Jim also lived a life with purpose to the community. He served as an Ohio High School Football Referee, and alongside his wife Sally, helped restart “Gahanna Residents In Need” (GRIN), strengthening the community he loved. Jim also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf.
In 2024, Jim and Sally moved to northeast Ohio to be closer to their daughters, embracing a new chapter surrounded by family.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of seventy years, Sarah (Sally) Ann Williams; daughters Tracey Rogers (Dean) and Elizabeth Nicol (Jeffrey); grandchildren Ryan Leist, Mallory Leist, Samantha Hower, James Rogers, Sarah Gunderson, Jacob Rogers, Andrew Nicol, and Abbey Lehman; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Corri Leist, his parents Darrell and Lillian Williams, and his brother Philip A. Williams, Brigadier General (Ret.).
Jim’s legacy is one of service, devotion, and strength. He will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, humor, and the deep love he held for his family, community, and country.
Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Road. Funeral Service 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Mifflin Presbyterian Church, 123 Granville Street, Gahanna. Pastor Nate Achterhof officiating. Interment in Mifflin Cemetery with full military honors to follow.
Those who wish may contribute to the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital: https://cancer.osu.edu/for-donors-and-volunteers/how-to-donate/donate-by-cancer-type, or at 460 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 3210, in his memory.
Select a cancer to donate to. Your donation goes directly to fund projects to create a cancer-free world. Learn more about donating to the OSUCCC – James here.
