Jim was full of unconditional love and loyalty to his friends. He was a fierce competitor on the basketball court (thus the nickname Wild Dog), but always had a ready smile. We once worked on an English composition together and handed in identical papers. I got an 'A' from Mrs. Edwards, while Jim got a 'C' from Mrs. Caveness. I felt bad, but it didn't bother him at all. Jim thought that was hilarious. Jim gained a permanent spot in my heart when he showed up unexpectedly at my mother's funeral in 2001.
I can't really post enough positive comments about this fine man and good friend. Jim never met a stranger. He moved in from out of state our sophomore year and was instantly a part of AHHS. He was fiercely competitive in sports and life, but had a heart of gold when it came to helping others and being a friend. Jim worked hard and played hard....earning him the nickname "Wild Dog". I saw Jim regularly for several years after high school. Sadly, we lost Jim in a motorcycle accident years ago.
RIP, brother. JV / Chico
In the summer of 1970 I was blowing and going with a month as staff at a camp in Colorado and mission trips and vacations. I was confident I would be a starter on the 70-71 basketball team and spent very little time working out. Jim Williams, on the other hand, worked out constantly. When I did go up to school during those hot summer days he was always there running and shooting and never without his weighted vest. He was as tough a guy as I ever knew. I did start that year and after about two games Coach Dickerson pulled me aside and said my time was up and Jim was going to get a shot. It was the right move. Jim's dedication and tireless work shaped him into an amazing player. I was humbled and learned a great lesson about committment and hard work from Jim. Our paths crossed several times before his death. From the summer of 70 on I had the greatest respect for our friend and team member Wild Dog Jim Williams.
This is a tough one... we all knew and loved Jim at Heights, what was not to love? He never met a stranger... But after HS? He went to UTEP on a bball scholarship, then returned a year later and enrolled at NTSU.That is when I met his roomie at the time, Chris Caudle,( who has remained a 50 year close friend! ). Fast forward to sharing a house in FW, roommates with a common interest in our Irish Setter, Cinnamon. One of my favorite(?) memories is waking up one morning after Cinnamon's puppies (the whore dog... lol) having "relieved" themselves in the front room... Jim dispatched them out the front door while we cleaned up... Fun wake-up call!
Fast forward to Jim and Holly's unitng in wedlock. I stood as witness (with Anne Friedman?) to their wedding. As a share of their love for one another, they combined their last names to "Willeng" (Williams + English). And there for the birth of their first baby! (not the same day... LOL)
The first notice I received about Jim's accident left me devastated, he wasn't expected to recover... a car had not yielded to him while he was on his motorcycle and pulled out in front of him... of course, "Wild Dog" was not wearing a helment. A rememebrance was held in Fort Worth's Botanic Gardens.
This is but a microcosm of my memories of Jim... my teammate, my friend...
I remember Jim well! My best friend Janet introduced us. He was a kind soul and I'm sure he is missed by so many people. His brother Hank made a surprise visit to Melinda and I at UT. I wish I could be at the reunion. I'm in Colorado and can't attend. As we age these memories become more important and vivid as the days past. Live life to the fullest so that we have no regrets and love those that are in our present and past. Gratitude for living in each moment we are blessed with for the rest of our days❤️
Jim, what a beautiful smile! Someone who definitely lived life to the fullest in his time here on earth. Fred Eiland, your tribute was I know tough but touched me and I thank you for sharing it. Captured Jim's spirit so well!
John Vaughan
We miss you ,Wild Dog
Danny Amos
Jim was full of unconditional love and loyalty to his friends. He was a fierce competitor on the basketball court (thus the nickname Wild Dog), but always had a ready smile. We once worked on an English composition together and handed in identical papers. I got an 'A' from Mrs. Edwards, while Jim got a 'C' from Mrs. Caveness. I felt bad, but it didn't bother him at all. Jim thought that was hilarious. Jim gained a permanent spot in my heart when he showed up unexpectedly at my mother's funeral in 2001.
John Vaughan
I can't really post enough positive comments about this fine man and good friend. Jim never met a stranger. He moved in from out of state our sophomore year and was instantly a part of AHHS. He was fiercely competitive in sports and life, but had a heart of gold when it came to helping others and being a friend. Jim worked hard and played hard....earning him the nickname "Wild Dog". I saw Jim regularly for several years after high school. Sadly, we lost Jim in a motorcycle accident years ago.
RIP, brother. JV / Chico
Pat O'Malley
In the summer of 1970 I was blowing and going with a month as staff at a camp in Colorado and mission trips and vacations. I was confident I would be a starter on the 70-71 basketball team and spent very little time working out. Jim Williams, on the other hand, worked out constantly. When I did go up to school during those hot summer days he was always there running and shooting and never without his weighted vest. He was as tough a guy as I ever knew. I did start that year and after about two games Coach Dickerson pulled me aside and said my time was up and Jim was going to get a shot. It was the right move. Jim's dedication and tireless work shaped him into an amazing player. I was humbled and learned a great lesson about committment and hard work from Jim. Our paths crossed several times before his death. From the summer of 70 on I had the greatest respect for our friend and team member Wild Dog Jim Williams.
Fred Eiland
This is a tough one... we all knew and loved Jim at Heights, what was not to love? He never met a stranger... But after HS? He went to UTEP on a bball scholarship, then returned a year later and enrolled at NTSU.That is when I met his roomie at the time, Chris Caudle,( who has remained a 50 year close friend! ). Fast forward to sharing a house in FW, roommates with a common interest in our Irish Setter, Cinnamon. One of my favorite(?) memories is waking up one morning after Cinnamon's puppies (the whore dog... lol) having "relieved" themselves in the front room... Jim dispatched them out the front door while we cleaned up... Fun wake-up call!
Fast forward to Jim and Holly's unitng in wedlock. I stood as witness (with Anne Friedman?) to their wedding. As a share of their love for one another, they combined their last names to "Willeng" (Williams + English). And there for the birth of their first baby! (not the same day... LOL)
The first notice I received about Jim's accident left me devastated, he wasn't expected to recover... a car had not yielded to him while he was on his motorcycle and pulled out in front of him... of course, "Wild Dog" was not wearing a helment. A rememebrance was held in Fort Worth's Botanic Gardens.
This is but a microcosm of my memories of Jim... my teammate, my friend...
Peggy Browder (Zilbermann)
I remember Jim well! My best friend Janet introduced us. He was a kind soul and I'm sure he is missed by so many people. His brother Hank made a surprise visit to Melinda and I at UT. I wish I could be at the reunion. I'm in Colorado and can't attend. As we age these memories become more important and vivid as the days past. Live life to the fullest so that we have no regrets and love those that are in our present and past. Gratitude for living in each moment we are blessed with for the rest of our days❤️
Julie Richardson (Reyes)
Jim, what a beautiful smile! Someone who definitely lived life to the fullest in his time here on earth. Fred Eiland, your tribute was I know tough but touched me and I thank you for sharing it. Captured Jim's spirit so well!