James David Williams

James David Williams, age 87, died peacefully at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on 11/06/2026. Jim was born in Toledo on 04/03/1939, the first son of L. Paul and Dorothy Williams. He attended Scott High School and graduated in 1957. He was a proud alumnus of Purdue University where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1962. He also earned an MBA from the University of Toledo while working at Owens-Illinois (eventually Techneglas), where he was employed from 1962 until his retirement in 2003 as Director of Engineering. In the later years of his 41-year tenure, he traveled extensively, working with people in at least 36 different countries, with major projects in Japan, South Korea, China, Russia, India, and Lithuania.

Jim also enjoyed traveling for fun with Sallie, his wife of 64 years. They married in 1962, raised 4 children, and had many adventures. A few of the favorite places that they visited several times were Sanibel, FL, St. Croix, V.I., England, France, Italy, and Greece. They also loved vacations with extended family, which often included Jim's recitation of Robert W. Service's 1907 narrative ballad "The Cremation of Sam McGee" around the campfire. Jim was also proud of his Welsh heritage, and one vacation took them to the original family homestead in Wales in 1998, meeting the same family that lived there when his parents visited 20 years prior.

Jim and his good friend, Ed Lawton, rebuilt a pair of 1952 Jaguar XK120s. This labor of love spanned more than 50 years and was ultimately successful! When that project wound down, he enjoyed refurbishing other old cars with his grandsons.

Jim was a life-long member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church (UMC) in downtown Toledo and was very involved in the church community through the years. He served as Chairman of both St. Paul's finance committee and St. Paul's Foundation for several terms. He also sang in the choir for a time and performed The Messiah. During Jim and Sallie's 25 years living in Dublin, OH, they were active with Powell UMC and made many lasting friends there.

Jim inspired the people around him, often having thought-provoking conversations with friends and family. He enjoyed reading books, learning new things, and playing cribbage, passing all of this on to the next generations. Loved ones will miss his sense of humor, silly songs, generosity, and words of wisdom.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Tom. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sallie; his son, Stephen (Shannon) Williams; daughters, Julia (Dirk) Albring, Laura (Paul) Taylor, Sara (Michael) Seegert; grandchildren, Jonah Taylor, Samuel (Jess) Taylor, Benjamin Taylor, Leah Taylor, Zoe (Ryan) Currier, Evan Foster, Hannah Wagner,

James Metzger, Wynifred Seegert; a soon-to-be great-grandson, Rhys James Currier; sisters-in-law Joan Williams and Linda Clement; brother-in-law David (Geri) Hoff; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of NWO, especially Tiffany with home care and Karen at the Toledo in-patient facility, and Dr. Kasunic and staff at the Toledo Clinic Cancer Center.

Services will be at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania, OH, 43623. Visitation with family will be Fri., 11/13/26, from 5 to 8pm. A memorial service will be held on Sat., 11/14, at 2pm, with the family welcoming friends starting at 1pm. A private burial of his ashes will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Paul's UMC, St. Paul's Foundation, or St. Paul's Marketplace for All People, 1201 Madison Ave. Toledo, OH 43604.