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John S. Williams
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East High Leopards
Class of 1965 |
Birth: Jul. 19, 1946 Salt Lake City Salt Lake County Utah, USA Death: Mar. 1, 2014 Saint George Washington County Utah, USA John Steven Williams passed away on March 1, 2014 at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. He was born July 19, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Silva Tayler and Howard Williams and the youngest of 4 brothers, Dick, Jim and Tom. As a child John's mischievous nature and ability to find trouble tested the limitations of his parents' patience. John enjoyed playing football and baseball. Graduating from East High School in Salt Lake City and attending Weber State College. He graduated with honors from SUU, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting and Economics. In 1970, John married Rebecca Yager and had the privilege of having two girls, Lori and Emily. Then through a later marriage he gained a son, Gerald. He married the love of his life Jamie Spendlove on October 14, 1989. They enjoyed many years of traveling to Europe, Guatemala, China, Greece and Hawaii. Together they welcomed 13 grandchildren into their lives, who they loved and cherished. In September of 1978, John was appointed as Executive Director of the Five County Association of Government. John was only the third person to serve in that capacity. John worked tirelessly throughout the 27 ½ years. John, along with the Five County Association of Government's directed the evolution of the Association from an emphasis in unification of social services programs, to the creation of the Southwest Utah Public Health Department and the Southwest Mental Health Center, and to planning for anticipated, and later realized, growth in Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Washington counties. During the 1990's John helped the Association emphasize community and economic development projects, including corporate recruiting and corporate expansion. He played a key role in helping to bring the Wal-Mart distribution center to the region as well as the development of other industrial parks and businesses in this region. Under John, the Association took a prominent role in addressing population growth issues, public lands issues, metropolitan transportation planning, rural transportation delivery, and human services programs. He is survived by his wife, Jamie Spendlove Williams; two daughters, Lori (Tony) Leonard and their three children, Michael, Zachary and Hailey, and Emily (Paul) Gates and their four children, Sean, Shea, Sheldon and Mya; son, Gerald (Tisha) Williams and their daughter Alexis Wyatt; stepsons, Brett (Julie) Wright and Brennan (Andrea) Wright and their five children, Anna, Abby, Nate, Benjamin and Joshua; and also his three brothers, Dick, Jim and Tom Williams. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 7, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. in the Riesley Chapel, 630 Riesling Ave., Santa Clara, UT. There will be a viewing Friday from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at the chapel. Interment will take place in the Tonaquint Cemetery Burial: Tonaquint Cemetery St. George, Utah. |
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Raymond Brady
John Williams passed away on March 1 of this year. After leaving East High he attended Weber State College and graduated from SUU with a degree in Business and Accounting. In 1978 John was appointed Executive Director of the 5 Counties Associan of Governments in Southern Utah. John served in that capacity for nearly 30 years until his retirement. He is survived by his wife Jaime, a previous wife Rebecca, two wonderful daughters, an adopted son and more grandchildren than I can count.
He was my oldest and closest friend and I shall miss him.
Vic McClintic
Early on, John was a "scary" big guy in HS. I soon learned he was a really, good sincere friend. John should be remembered by HIS ACTIONS. RIP. GOOD FRIEND!
David Mower
Here is John's obituary photo.
Joan Knudsen (Connolly)
Wow! I hadn't heard that John had passed away! We grew up on the same street and knew him well. I am sorry to hear that! Thank you for posting his obituary.
Alan Andrus
John was a tough guy but when you got to know him he was a gentle and loyal friend. We hung out with Lou Arnold and had some great parties in the day. John could throw parties with the best of them. I've offen wondered how he was doing in life but we just didn't see each other after life go serious.