James I. Williamson

James (Jim) Williamson, 86, of Ballinger, died early Sunday morning July 25, 2010 at the Runnels County Rehab nursing facility in Ballinger.

He was born in Ft. Worth on May 29, 1924 to Emmitt Leroy and Nancy Elizabeth Williamson, who were originally from Philadelphia, MS. He graduated from Abilene High School and attended McMurry College. He served in WW II as a Naval Reserve Officer and was active in all theatres of combat in the US Maritime Service. He attained the rank of Chief Mate in the Merchant Marines.

Jim married Bitsie Lynn on May 20, 1951 in Philadelphia, MS. In 1954 he entered the banking field where he subsequently covered a twenty- six year span. His experience in banking began in Ballinger and included positions in Kingsville, Taft and Kermit, where he was president of Kermit State Bank. After retiring from the bank, he owned and operated Keystone Oilfield Rental, Inc. followed by a self-owned business as a computer consultant.

While in Kermit, Jim’s community service included terms as president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of Kermit Rotary Club, treasurer of the Winkler County Chapter of the Red Cross, chairman of Kermit Housing Authority, a director of Kermit Opportunity School, coordinator of Winkler County Arial Defense and on the Board of Trustees of Kermit Community Church. Upon moving to Ballinger in 1994, he was a member and Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church and continued to operate his computer consulting business.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Fred Lynn.

He is survived by his wife, Bitsie; a son, Wes Williamson, and wife, Janis of Euless; grandsons, Trey, Michael, and Matthew Williamson. A sister, Sue Joyce Williamson of San Angelo, a daughter-in-law, Suzanne Cox of Austin and a niece, Rebecca Nicholson of Horseshoe Bay also survive.

There will be a time of visitation for family and friends from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, July 26, 2010 at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 27 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family request that memorials be made to the Ballinger Carnegie Library or a favorite charity.