James "Jim" C. Williams

Danville – James “Jim” C. Williams, 90, of West Lafayette, IN, formerly a long-time resident of Danville, IL, passed away at 5:45 AM on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Westminster Village of West Lafayette, IN. He was born on July 17, 1935, in Paris, IL to Leon and Thelma (Baker) Williams. He married Roberta E. Nay on November 24, 1979, in Potomac, IL. She survives.

He is also survived by three children, Greg (Marsha) Williams of Cayuga, IN, Elaine (Randy Byrd) Williams of Johnstown, CO, and Heather (Mark) Henz of Highlands Ranch, CO; three step-children, Kim Elizabeth of Sherman, TX, Mike (Becky) McFall of Blacklick, OH, and Gary “Mac” (Vicki) McFall of West Lafayette, IN; 22 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild with two more on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a great grandchild, Reagan Williams.

Jim was a man of great faith and earned his Master of Divinity at the Christian Theologian Seminary in Indianapolis. This began a 42-year career as a United Methodist Minister with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Jim served several churches around the state of Illinois during this time and as a VA Chaplain at the VA Illiana Medical Center in Danville. His faith led him to continue his ministry for an additional ten years after his retirement.

He was a multi-faceted person with varied interests that kept him heavily involved with his community. Jim was active in local theater productions including the Red Mask Players. He performed in the Bicentennial production of 1776 with Danville Scottish Rite/Danville Light Opera and was a member of the Danville Barbershop Chorus. Jim was an avid reader and volunteered with the Fair Hope Children’s Ministry. He and Roberta also enjoyed being campground hosts in several states around the US over the span of five years.

A service to celebrate the life of James “Jim” C. Williams will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. James United Methodist Church in Danville. Reverend Donald Jackson will officiate. Cremation will follow services with inurnment held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM prior to services on Saturday, also at St. James in Danville. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Memorials in his name may be made to Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.

Please join Jim’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.