James L. "Rabbit" Williamson

HERRIN

James L. "Rabbit" Williamson, 79, of Herrin, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

James was born on December 13, 1940, in Carterville, to Guy and Velma Williamson.

Graveside services will be held at Friday, December, 11, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at North Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville, with Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Visitation will be held at noon on Friday at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home. Due to covid-19 restrictions masks must be worn at all times.

Jim is survived by his son, James Michael Williamson of Herrin; daughter, Kathy Lynne Williamson of Energy; granddaughters, Brooke Gabrielle Perez of Cambria, Jayme Michele Williamson of DuQuoin; great-granddaughters; Haley Jane Murphy of DuQuoin, Lexie Todd; great-grandsons Michael Todd of Okawville and Triston Lee Todd of O'Fallon, Missouri; sister, Ruth Ann Erickson of Springfield; nephews, Andy Erickson of Highland Park, David Erickson of Springfield, and Bill McCluney of Effingham, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved grandson Michael Loren Todd; sister and brother-in-law, Viola Mae Emery and Paul Emery; niece Paula Ann Emery.

Jim grew up and went to Grade School and High School in Carterville.  He had many friends and they nicknamed him “Rabbit” when he was in the second grade.  Growing up he was noted for his smile and laughter and his mischievous manner of playing pranks on his sister and friends.  He loved life and made many friends along the way but his first love was for his children and grandchildren.  He delighted in telling everyone what “good kids they were."

Jim was a realtor for a period of time and worked in the Williamson County Assessor’s office.  He spent the final years of his career as a worker for the Williamson County Highway Department where he retired several years ago.

Jim was best friends with State Senator and Congressman Glenn Poshard and volunteered as a driver for Glenn on weekends for fifteen years.  As they traveled throughout his congressional district from Decatur to Cairo, Jim made many friends along the way.  He was loved for his quick smile and stories that he shared with his friends about his time with Glenn.  Jim will be missed by everyone who knew him.
 

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