Obituary of James Williams

WILLIAMS, James Douglas - It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of James Douglas Williams of Beamsville, Ontario on April 19, 2013, at the age of 88. James (Jim) was the loving husband of Elizabeth for 60 years and is survived by his brother Ken (Ella) Williams from Medicine Hat, Alberta. Jim was born in Queensville, Ontario, and at a young age developed two passions in his life, photography and flying. He enlisted in the RCAF, obtained his flying licence and spent his air force years stationed in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and in the Maritimes. After the war ended he bought and sold airplanes and started his first real business, Venus Home Portraits in Hamilton. He was later instrumental in bringing the school photography business to Ontario with National School Studios, later changed to Jostens Canada. After a very successful career in school photography and always the entrepreneur, he saw a great opportunity in 1973 and started the KOA Kampground in Niagara Falls, which he owned and operated with his family for 29 years. It turned out to be another successful business, winning numerous Misty Awards in Niagara Falls as well as national recognition from the KOA franchise organization. Somehow he also managed to operate a number of Christmas tree farms during the past 48 years, the last of which is still in operation in Beamsville. Throughout his life, he certainly never lacked insight for business opportunities and adventure. Jim had 60 years' service with the Hamilton and Beamsville Lions Club and always kept himself busy, belonging to a number of associations and clubs throughout his working and retirement years, including the Hamilton and St. Catharines Flying Clubs. Many people, who knew Jim, also knew about his great love for auction sales. He could hardly pass up on a good deal, but sometimes had the great knack of buying high and selling low. He truly loved to wheel and deal. He was especially grateful for having lived a full life, during which he counted his family and many friends as some of his greatest gifts. He will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted wife Elizabeth; four children: Craig (Paula) Williams, Martin (Sandra) Williams, Don Williams and Gail (Bryan) Groff; brother, Ken (Ella) Williams; brother-in-law, John (Bruncha) Marton; sister-in-law, Brigitta (George) Szobolics; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother Don Williams and his sister Margaret. Grandpa will surely be missed by Jordy and Olivia Groff and Eric and Leanne Williams. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday April 30th from 2 - 4 p.m. and from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Tallman Funeral Home, 3277 King St. in Vineland. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 1st at Trinity United Church, 4287 William Street, Beamsville at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Society or the Diabetes Association.