Name: Funeral service for Lieutenant General James Arthur Williams
Start: 2017-11-11T19:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Matthews United Methodist Church

Annandale, Va. - Lieutenant General James Arthur Williams, known affectionately to family as "The Giant Grummer," died peacefully on Tues., Oct. 31, 2017, at the young age of 85, after a valiant battle with injuries sustained from a fall.

Though his rank sounds lofty and his height seemed intimidating, he was a wise, caring, loving man who knew the importance of recognizing the 'little man.' He tried to instill in people to treat those around them with respect and to be kind to everyone.

Gen. Williams was born in Patterson, N.J., on March 29, 1932, and began his federal service in 1942 as a volunteer in the Observer Corps. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1954 and culminated his 31 year military career as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in 1985.

Among his many decorations and honors are his being a Distinguished Member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and the Defense Attache' Hall of Fame, and his being awarded the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal.

James Arthur Williams was predeceased by his parents, Elsie and Charlie Williams; and his sister, Judy Mints.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Widnall Williams; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Nell Williams; his two grandchildren, Erin and Owen; and his daughter, Karen Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 11, 2017, at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 8617 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va. The interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the National Military Intelligence Foundation Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 683, Charlotte Court House, VA 23923.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Nov. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James Williams

Sponsored by Demaine Funeral Home - Springfield.

15 Entries

December 5, 2017

So sorry to hear of the loss for your family. I always enjoyed my conversations with Jim.

Paul Hoffman

Dick Sugg

November 23, 2017

Besides being a shining example of what it is to be a West Point graduate and career Army officer to his 1954 classmates, he served our class in many ways. He was elected a class officer after graduation and when the other class leaders were not interested in producing a 40th Anniversary memory book, Jim a took charge and recruited a professional book publisher of our class to organize and publish "54-40 and still in the fight."

Karen Lungren

November 11, 2017

Dear Karen and family,
We always looked forward to your family's visit each August. It was an honor to get to know and spend time with your dad. August in Crescent Beach just won't be the same without him. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Love,
Karen & Chuck Lungren

Carol Rady

November 10, 2017

Sorry obviously forgot to sign our message (neighbors at Crescent Beach). It is from The Rady's.

November 10, 2017

We were so sorrowful to hear of Jim's passing. We were his neighbor at Crescent Beach in CT for 18 wonderful years. When you mention Jim I immediately picture this smiling man standing straight and tall as he strode down the beach just like a General would. Plus his and Barbara's daily swims. We also shared many discussions about world events, politics, etc. he was thoughtful, wise, and wrote beautifully. Instrumental in helping Kathryn get into Colgate by writing a powerful, sincere recommendation. Farewell our friend. God has a new warrior, but we shall miss you. Sympathies to Bobbi, Karen, Steve, Nell and the kids.

Mike Keegan

November 10, 2017

Simply a wonderful, caring person who had time for everyone. He was the ultimate family man and was an example to us all.

Karen Williams

November 10, 2017

For those not wanting to snail mail a donation, donations can be made at this website:
https://www.memberplanet.com/campaign/nmif/williams

Thank you all!!! Karen (aka "Karina Bena")

Renae Carter Arlington

November 9, 2017

Karen and family:

I am so sorry about your loss. You have my heart felt condolences.

MG Jack Leide intro by Gen Williams to me.

John Regus

November 8, 2017

You were my most valued mentor. I will miss you terribly and also what you felt were my talent to "peer over the front of the boat", in a raging river when everyone else had scurried to the stern. Thanks to you, I did receive commendations from General Hayden, and also had long talks with General Keith Alexander. You put MG Bob Harding and I together for an idea that would only been out of Hollywood. LtC Tony Shaffer was put together by General Harding to work with me and he still carries the bruises from the verbal beating I gave him for not knowing about time differences.
He had high hopes for my career within the community until I suffered from a TBI and was PDRL, which was the hardest thing that ever happened to me. But, General Williams would always call at least 3 times a month to keep my spirits up.
I could go on for hours and hours about the tasks he would have me do after my injury and who he had already interested in the work and who I was to send it.
So, now I don't know what to do with all of Jane's books, except the library at the university will get them tomorrow in his memory.

Dr. Gail Nelson

November 8, 2017

The finest General Officer I have had the privilege to support during my entire Intelligence career including USAREUR and USEUCOM (1974-2001). He led the USAREUR Crisis Action Team providing strategic early warning of Martial Law in Poland during 1980-1981 - a credit to his exceptional wisdom and integrity in Cold War conditions.

Gus Greene

November 7, 2017

A tremendous Intelligence Officer. He generously gave his time to provide advice and mentorship to the great benefit of the Department and the broader Intelligence Community... both in and out of uniform. Numbers 6:24

Jeff Stein

November 7, 2017

I have to say that Jim Williams was the greatest writing coach I ever had and, as it would turn out, prepared me for a career in journalism. He became my boss when I was a young, greenhorn case officer in Da Nang during 1969. Previous leadership had been feckless. Jim came in and whipped my ongoing unilateral collection operation into far better shape. More importantly for my future, however, he read every one of my contact reports and graded them like a tough city editor. He pushed me to sharpen my eye and add more detail, context, color to my accounts of my meetings with my principal agent. Soon, I was writing little novellas for him. I am forever indebted to his inspired, and inspiring leadership.

Michael Ryan

November 7, 2017

One of our very best MI leaders and a wonderfully understanding and compassionate person. God speed!

Karina Bena

November 5, 2017

Though you've moved on to your next mission, dad, know that you are sorely missed and deeply loved by many.

LTG Patrick M Hughes, USA (Ret)

November 4, 2017

With great regret at his passing and great admiration for his service...what a superb example of a leader and an intelligence officer.

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