James Williams

James E. Williams, 80, died at his Ocean Park residence on May 3, 2009 with his wife and daughter at his side. Known as Edward Harper as a child, he was born in Steele City, Nebraska on February 22, 1929 the son of Art Williams and Grace Woods. He was raised by his mother Grace and step-father Charles Harper. He attended schools in Fairbury, Endicott and Steele City. Following high school "Ed" drove truck for several over-the-road trucking companies in a career which spanned nearly 50 years. The last ten years of his career he was an owner/operator. On March 12, 1972 he married Marjorie Sorensen in Fremont, Nebraska. Ten years later in August of 1982 he moved to Ocean Park. He took a job as grounds keeper at Fort Canby State Park and later became a security guard for the Surfside Homeowners Association. The road again called and he returned to trucking until retirement in 1992. Jim was an avid fisherman. He also enjoyed playing pool and was active in several pool leagues on the Peninsula. Ever the traveler, he enjoyed returning to Nebraska to keep in touch with family and friends and he dearly loved his grand and great-grandchildren. Jim was a past worthy president of Ocean Park Eagles 3602 and was a member of Eagles 200 in Fremont, Nebraska. A cancer survivor, Jim participated in the annual Relay for Life. Besides his wife Marjorie of Ocean Park, Jim is survived by daughters and spouses Denise Dredge of Lincoln, NE, Sheryl (Scott) Schmidt of Beatrice, NE, and Eliese (Marc) Espinosa of Arvada, CO; sons and spouses Rodney Williams of Arizona, Jimmy (Brenda) Sorensen of Monroe, WA, Alan (Jeannie) Sorensen of Weldon, CA and Terry (Jean) Sorenson of North Bend, NE; 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother Garry (Jo) Harper of Omaha, NE; sisters Doris (Jr.) Thornburg of Fairbury, NE, and Glenda (Doug) Spilker of Diller, NE; sister-in-laws Marcy Harper of Omaha, NE and Kathy Estabrook of Wyoming; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sons Vincent and Harlan Williams, brothers Donny and Herman Harper and sister Reva McAtee Hutchinson. Memorial service will be held at Ocean Park Eagles lodge on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 2:00 PM. Cremation arrangements are by Penttila's Chapel by The Sea. A memorial service and inurnment will be held at Steele City Cemetery in Nebraska. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com. Memorials may be made to either the American Cancer Society or Relay for Life.