Jim Williamson

October 28, 2024

 Jim Williamson, 82, died Friday, October 25, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.  He was born September 21, 1942, in Cedar Vale, Kansas, the son of Alfred Edmond & Evelyn Pauline (MaHocks) Williamson.

     Jim lived in various places as a young child due to his father's occupation, they settled in Syracuse, Kansas where Jim attended and graduated from Syracuse High School.  He then served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, from September 6, 1960, to August 1, 1963.  While serving, Jim also played basketball for the U.S. Navy team and was released from the service 1 month early in order to play at Garden City Junior College for 1 year.  On April 25, 1965, he married Anita June Akers in Syracuse, Kansas.  Jim worked in various occupations throughout his life.  He worked as an insurance inspector, a disability investigator, a floor plan auditor, and a meter technician for various companies in Garden City. 

     He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Garden City.  Jim has always enjoyed watching and playing in all sports.  He played in many different Garden City softball teams where he was the pitcher and also known as the "Pop Up King."  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid fan of KU Basketball, KU Football, Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs.  His grandchildren were the joy of his life and would do everything with them and take in as many of their activities as he could.

     Survivors include his wife Anita June Williamson of the home; a son Dr. Tim Williamson of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren Katie Grace Williamson, Sam Williamson, Olivia Panessidi, & Jordan Timmers; three sisters-in-law Dixie Akers, Delores Akers, & Martha Akers; a brother-in-law Jim Dennis; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins including Joe McCord and Steve (Betty) Warring, and friends.  Jim is preceded in death by his parents; a son Jeff Williamson which Jim and Anita miss very much; a brother John Ed & wife Earlene Williamson; a sister Joy & husband Pete Sikes; three brothers-in-law Barney Mack Akers Jr., Jim Akers, & Bob Pfannenstiel; a sister-in-law Elizabeth Dennis; his father-in-law & mother-in-law Barney Akers Sr. and Elsie Akers; a nephew Brian Pfannenstiel; and a niece Cindy Akers.

     Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Garden City with Rev. Jim Akers officiating.  The funeral may also be viewed on Facebook Life on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page.  Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with military graveside rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Southwest Kansas Veterans Honor Guard.  Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.  The family will be at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday to visit with friends.  The family suggests memorials given to Tunnels to Towers, or to the University of Kansas Cancer, Center.  Memorials are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N. 7th St., Garden City, Kansas 67846.  Condolences may be given to garnandfuneralhomes.com.