James “Jay” H. Williams Sr., of Duxbury, passed away peacefully at home on April 13th with his companion of 13 years, Linda Wise by his side and surrounded by loved ones. He was 83 years old. He was the beloved brother of Eleanor Cavanaugh of Milton and is survived by his children, James “Jay” Williams Jr. of Plymouth, Maureen “Molly” Staiano of NJ; Karen Williams of Duxbury, Kevin Williams of Pembroke, Mark Williams of Abington and Stephanie Oldrid of Sagamore Beach. He also leaves his brothers Edward of Marshfield and John of Quincy, 19 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Brother of the late Thomas, Michael, Jean Greely and Patricia Carr.
Jay was born in Milton and graduated from Boston College High School and Tufts University. After graduating, he joined his father at Fred Williams Inc. Together with his brothers, Tom and Mike, he teamed with Fred to make the company into one of the most respected mechanical contracting firms in Massachusetts. The company played a large role in the Rt. 128 construction boom as well as Boston’s college campuses and hospitals. Jay was also active in relations between the local union and the New England Mechanical Contractors. He guided the company for 45 years until his retirement.
Jay maintained a positive attitude despite challenges he faced. He never complained. He faced each day with a smile and renewed vigor and faith. He was touched by the continuous contact and dedication of family and friends through his illness, including the most meaningful visits during his last weeks of life. He was a serious and humorous man with a love of music, the ocean and people. His visitors and constant contacts described him as always being a wonderful listener, a kind, considerate, appreciative and respectful gentleman. He had a love for life and lived each day to the fullest. His love of music, interest in the world events, sports and people were his daily repertoire. Maintaining a beautifully landscaped home is consistent with the precision to details he was able to maintain in every aspect of his life, until his passing.
There are no visiting hours. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 22nd at Holy Family Church in Duxbury at 10 AM followed by burial at Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury. Arrangements made by the Richard Davis Funeral Homes in Plymouth and Manomet. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations in his memory be made to the South Shore Visiting Nurse Association, 30 Resevoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370.