James Keith Williams' Obituary
James Keith Williams was loved by more than he even knew. Born to Jim and Dot Williams on Christmas Day 1965, he immediately shared a striking resemblance to his father, earning him the neighborhood nickname Little Jimmy. However, his sisters Pam and Kimberly would come to know him as their big brother Keith and his sons Jay, Jordan, and John knew him simply as Dad.
After graduating from Kirby High School in 1983, he moved to New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. An actor by training, he learned to make his friends laugh, his family cry in joy, and his sons ponder the world’s wonders. He charmed actors, musicians, playwrights and artists with his genteel suave.
Ultimately he returned to Memphis, where he began to build his life around his family. He met his future wife Judy waiting tables at Cafe Max in 1994. Married in 1998, they shortly welcomed their sons Jay in 1999, Jordan in 2000, and John in 2003.
He played many roles throughout his life. He was a son, a father, a lover, and a brother. He was an actor, a banker, and a chemistry teacher. He was a lullaby singer, an academic adviser, soccer coach, and personal tutor. James Keith Williams was a good man and will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his Father Jim and his Mother Dot. He is succeeded in death by his sisters Pam and Kimberly, his sons Jay, Jordan, and John, and by his grandsons Jesse and Archer.
The visitation for Mr. Williams will be held on Friday June 26, 2026, in the Fireside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The memorial service will begin following visitation at 2:00 PM
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