James Gordon Williamson, 88, left this world peacefully on June 29, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay, OH.
He was born July 11, 1936 in Detroit, MI to the late Harry and Mary Williamson.
Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960 on the USS Amphion as a Machinery Repairman Second Class where he said he was able to visit 50 percent of the world and see the other half. After his honorable discharge, he worked at Libby’s and Campbell’s before landing at Claude Sintz, Inc. in Deshler, OH until he retired in 2004 after 37 years of employment as a Tool & Die Maker.
Jim was a member of Hoytville United Methodist Church and a 60-year member of the Freemasons Sycamore Lodge No. 520 in Deshler, OH achieving the ancient and accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Toledo 32nd degree.
Jim was a devoted husband and supporter of his family. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diane (Shuck), whom he married on October 27, 1973. Also surviving are his children Gina (Nathan) Ricker, Michelle (Chris) Fitzgerald, Cassandra (Jake Vorst) Berger, and Nathan (Olivia Heckathorn), grandchildren Adeline, Amelia, Colin, Kira, Ian, Sorcha, Cathal, Logan, Eric, Caitlen, Joey, Emilia, Luis, Bella, and Nathan, great-grandchildren Emery, Thaddeus, Boone, and Lucy, and siblings Guy Williamson, Pauline Kossow, Janet Williamson, and Gary Williamson. Jim was preceded in death by his siblings Darlene Dalton and Elaine Williamson.
Jim had many passions in life, including camping, fishing, baking/cooking, motorsport racing, OSU football, sunsets, star gazing, bird watching, Sci-Fi and WWII movies/shows, etc… all of which he enjoyed most when shared with family.
Jim was loved dearly, and he loved deeply. He is described as loyal, genuine, charismatic, and ornery by those who will miss him most. He was the best problem solver and made those closest to him feel like they were his best friend.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11am at the Bavarian Haus 3814 State Route 18 Deshler, OH 43516 with an open house to follow until 4pm to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The National Park Foundation (give.nationalparks.org), Brown Bag Food Project (www.brownbagfoodproject.org) or a charity of your choice. HANNEMAN FUNERAL HOME, McComb, Ohio, has been graciously entrusted with Jim’s care. Online memories and condolences may be shared with his family at hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
