James T. "Jake" Williams

James (Jake) Thomas Williams, 86, of Battle Creek, Michigan and Mesa, Arizona, passed away on February 3, 2016 surrounded by family in Battle Creek, MI.

Jake was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Clarence E. and Corrie (Randall) Williams on August 3, 1929. Jake attended high school in Battle Creek. He had worked at the Kellogg Company for 41 years retiring in 1987 as a Construction Pipefitter Foreman. He was very involved in all of his children and grandchildren's active lives. He enjoyed many years of retirement and motorhome travel with his wife Martha, visiting many locations across North America and seeing many friends along the way. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing pool, and walks with his beloved dog Candy. Jake scored 6 Hole in One's over his golf career. Jake and family members made their annual trip to South Dakota for Pheasant hunting for over 45 years in a row, enjoying outdoor recreation and wonderful family memories.

Jake and Martha spent many summers as campground hosts at Fort Custer State Park Campground enjoying many new friends.

Jake is preceded in death by his lovely Wife (Martha Williams) and Father and Mother, as well as his brother Bobby and Sister Margaret Catlin. Jake and Martha first met as young children at Prairieview Elementary School in Battle Creek and enjoyed 64 years of a wonderful, fulfilling partnership and marriage.

Jake was a proud member of the Kellogg 25 year club and enjoyed many Kellogg retiree picnics over the years.

He is survived by his sister Joyce Baxter of Sarasota, Florida and his children; Suzan M. Vester of Albion, MI, Julie A. Kendrick (husband Jack) of Phoenix, AZ, James (Jim) T. Williams (wife Vanessa) of Fenton, MI, and John R. Williams (wife Debra) of Battle Creek, MI. Jake is also survived by 6 grandchildren, who he treasured every day; Jennifer Kendrick, Jessica Gomez, Michael Williams, Sarah Watson, Johnny Williams, Kimmy Wemple and 7 great-grandchildren; Easton Williams, Adia Williams, Alaina Watson, Kyla Watson, Hallie Watson, Amelia Wemple, and Alora Wemple.

Jake will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Funeral services will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Road Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015 or at their website http://www.hs-scm.org. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com or condolences may be left at: jrwillrun@att.net.