John Williams

John David Williams
September 19, 1943 – February 15, 2023

John wasn’t afraid of dying, he just didn’t want to be there when it happened. Unfortunately, and to our great sorrow, he was there. John died of a combination of Rapidly Progressive Dementia, Lung Disease and Rhabdomyolysis. Though the final few weeks were unpredictably difficult, John lived an incredibly memorable life.
John was born in his grandmothers’ Farmhouse in St. Joe Missouri September, 19, 1943. John was 1 of 5 rambunctious boys born to Lester A. and Garnett E. Williams. When he was young, they relocated to Richmond, California. John graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and in 1965 married his first wife Victoria F. Cipolla. They later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where they began to raise 4 beautiful Children. John would also earn his Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Utah.
John enjoyed a wonderful 31 year career at Workforce Services where he met his beloved wife of 42 years Sandra, who he married in 1981. He also met and worked with some of his closest lifelong friends. John known for his quick wit, found great joy in playing jokes on his family and friends. John lived a healthy and active lifestyle. He had a great passion for hiking, tennis, swimming, fishing and even yoga. He enjoyed traveling and logged over 80 boating trips to Lake Powell where he spent his days fishing and journaling his experiences. He loved meeting with his church buddies every Thursday morning at Anna’s. He also met on a monthly basis with the appropriately-named Old Farts Coffee Group made up of old colleagues. John enjoyed playing Bridge with friends and Shanghai Rummy with his grandchildren who he was very proud of. John will be remembered for his love of nature, his sense of humor, his passion for the Utah Utes, his commitment to the Methodist church, the money jar and his great love for his family, friends and ice-cream.
John is survived by his loving wife Sandra, his 4 children, Chris (Libby) Williams, Clay (Maru) Williams, Helena (Brad) DeGrazia, Nate (Claudia) Williams, his Stepdaughter Michelle (Tim) Hollingsed, 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and two brothers Joe and Phillip. John is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Garnett Williams, two brothers Kenny and Mike and his Stepson Benjamin L. Arritola.
Family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 with a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 at the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapels & Cremation Center (4760 S. State Street, Murray, UT). Afterward, family and friends will join together at the Old Farm Social Center (4134 S Old Farm Way (660 E.) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m to gather and share memories. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online in his memory to the Christ United Methodist Church (2375 E. 3300 S. SLC, UT.). See link below for donations.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com.