James L Williams

James Lorance Williams of Medford, Massachusetts, died at home on August 23, 2022 at the age of 69.

Jim was born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1952.  He was the son of the late Lorance Williams and the late Gwyndolyn Williams.  Jim enjoyed outdoor activities including rock climbing, hiking and camping.  He climbed Mount Rainier with his father and participated in mountain rescue.

Jim moved to Massachusetts in 1971 where he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  He married his wife Kathy in 1975.  Jim had a stellar career as a software engineer and wrote database software.  His work included one of the first email systems (“Comet”), early ATM development, and hand held medical computers.

Jim was a quiet and gentle man who enjoyed family life, gardening and his dogs and cats.  He volunteered in animal rescue.  Many weekends were spent with Kathy and the children out camping, particularly in Vermont.  He enjoyed attending the theatre and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  He was a devoted Democrat and was a volunteer at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.  He also volunteered in the presidential campaign of Elizabeth Warren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy Price Williams of Medford, MA,; his son Brett Douglas Williams of Burlington, Vermont; his daughter, Laura Beth Williams of Arlington, MA; his sister Carolyn Hicks of Tacoma, Wa; his sister in law Annette Price of Durham, NC; and his beloved little dog, Lily Williams.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue of New York ( heavencanwaitny.org )

Memorial Services will be held at the First Church Cambridge, 11 Garden Street, on September 3, 2022 at 11AM, followed by a gathering on the lawn.