Noted community leader dies

 

By Patrick Ross

 

 

James S. “Jim” Williams, a well-known member of the Paintsville community, died on Monday at a local hospital. Williams is remembered by many as a civic-minded individual who stayed involved in the local political scene serving several terms as a Paintsville City Council member. Williams was currently seeking a term on the city council in the upcoming November election. Williams was appointed Paintsville/Johnson County tourism director from 1991-2003 and was named “Best Tourism Director” in the state by former state tourism director, the late Ann Latta. Williams is remembered by many as being a personable individual who enjoyed meeting others and being involved in community service. Paintsville Mayor Bob Porter said his memories of Williams were “great” and that he had known Williams since childhood. “He was a little older than me, but he was always good to the kids which impressed me about Jim early on,” Porter said. “He is the type of person you need in your community,” Porter added. In addition to serving on city council and as tourism director, Williams was also a bit of a “jack-of-all trades,” spending time also serving as a Paintsville Fire Department volunteer firefighter, teaching at Paintsville High School, and as the training director/teacher at Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center, in Thelma. No matter what his present vocation, Williams is remembered as always making a point to stay involved with the city schools. One of Williams’ trademarks was as announcer for the ballgames for the city school system. He was also involved in the marching band at Paintsville during his own school days and later, as a teacher. “He was an outstanding member of the band,” Porter recalled. Porter said it is his belief that Williams always “tried to do the right thing for the schools and for the City of Paintsville.” During his time with the Paintsville Fire Department, “he took care of the (department’s) finances,” Kyle Williams said of his father. Williams was a member of the First Christian Church where he remained actively involved. Funeral services for Williams will be held today, Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m., at First Christian Church.