James Earl Williamson

James E. Williamson, 73 died in Oshkosh, WI on September 4, 2012. He was born March 10,1939 in Dillon, South Carolina to Daniel and Dora(Jackson) Williamson. At age 15 he convinced his father to sign documents that certified his age as 17 and gave consent for him to enter the U.S. Army.He served as a soldier for 20 years, including 2 tours in Vietnam where he was awarded 2 Bronze Star Medals and was one of the youngest First Sergeants in the Army. Jim was very proud to serve his country. He was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and active in the local Chapter 437. After retirement Jim became a civilian employee for the U.S. Army and retired after nearly 20 more years of service from the Rock Island Arsenal Headquartersin Rock Island, IL. He earned his bachelors degree in Business from Western Illinois University in 1978.On June 21, 1986 he married Christine Tina Troxell in Milan, IL and they began 26 years of adventure and devotion to one another. Tina will forever be Jims darlin.Jim was an avid runner, completing many marathons and ultra marathons inhis lifetime. He was an accomplished golfer and was most proud of his hole in one of August 15, 2000 in Muscatine, Iowa.Jim is survived by his wife Tina, his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Lois Williamson, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Helen and Gene Troxell, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Sarah Troxell, niece and nephew-in-law, Laura and Jesse Laster, nephew, John Troxell, special great nephew, Matthew Laster, and other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his honorary kids from Slovakia, George Krcma and Zuzana Stuetz.Additionally Jim has many friends in Nashville, TN, the Quad Cities, and Oshkosh, WI. He will be truly missed by his loyal canine companion, Elviswho brought him endless joy and comfort in illness.A memorial service for Jim will be held September 15, 2012 at St. Raphaelthe Archangel Catholic church at 11 A.M. with Rev. Luke Ferris officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 9AM to the time of service. Military Honors will be performed following the service at the church. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, Quad City Animal Welfare Center or the Veterans MilitaryMuseum.Tina would like to give a very special thank you to the staff of Sterling House who cared for Jim so competently and compassionately during thelast days of his life.

St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Saturday, September 15, 2012
9 a.m. until service



St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Saturday, September 15, 2012
11 a.m.