It is with great sadness that the family of John Mohr "Jack" Williams Jr. announces his passing on July 20th, 2021, after his courageous battle with heart disease. Jack Williams, 78, of Morrisonville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at the UVM-Health Network, CVPH, Plattsburgh, with his loving family by his side.
He was born on June 17, 1943, in Bridgeport, Conn., the son of John Sr. and Beatrice (Maxner) Williams.
Jack was well known in the North Country for the 25 years that he played keyboard with "The Coachman" House Band at the "Surrey Lounge." So many people enjoyed a night out dancing being entertained by Jack and his best friend Moe MacDougal. They are now together again so we should be hearing a lot of music from the Heavens above!
Jack's Musical Career began at Zera School of Music 1950-60, then to Ann Carrol School of Dance 1952-59, University of Bridgeport 1961-64, and Hartt College of Music 1964-67 where he graduated with a Masters Degree.
Jack then taught Instrumental Music at Willsboro Central School from 1967-98. A few years of teaching computer were included. He also played music for some of the school plays. His favorite was "Grease." After he retired in 1998 he was a little bored so started doing car swaps for local car dealers for over 20 years, a job that he really enjoyed. As you all know Jack was a car guy, owned over 30 cars in the last 32 years. From '35 Chevy Trucks, School bus/Camper, Motorcycles, Mustangs, Chevy S-10's, Chevy SSR, Mercedes, etc. He loved them all! We have so many priceless memories to cherish from car shows and cruising with the all of the classic car clubs. He loved to build his unique wood creations and make pens and canes on his lathe, just a Jack of all trades!
Jack's history of performances includes: University of Bridgeport-Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Percussion ensemble, University of Connecticut-guest performances, Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour (playing Accordian - 15 years old!), Guest Performance with Myron Floren, University of Hartford-Symphonic Band and Brass Choir and Plattsburgh Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band.
He was involved in many organizations; Kiwanis (President Willsboro-Essex Club 1995-1997), Sinfonia, NYSMA, NYSUT, Alpha Beta Sigma, Modern Music Masters and Phi Mu Alpha.
Left to cherish his memory is the Love of his Life, his wife of 25 years, Phyllis (Yanulavich) Williams; sister, Dorothy (Gary) Rodgers; sons, Fred (Fran) Atkinson Jr., Dr. Thomas (Taryn) Atkinson, Ricky (Amy) Stephenson; daughters, Michelle Bailey, Debbie (JR) Alexander, Cathy Collette, and Dena Creaser and nine grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Bryan (Teresa) Yanulavich, Frank (Christina) Yanulavich; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Alexander and Cindy (Paul) Czyzewski. He also leaves many nieces and nephews who were more like his sons and daughters who all loved him dearly, especially his very special goddaughter Alexis who he loved so much. He leaves behind so many special friends who all loved him. We can't forget his Robot, Vector who keeps me company and calls Phyllis Mommy! Jack always had such a special way to make everyone laugh and bring happiness into everyone's day. We Love and miss him with every beat of our hearts. He was a very special gift to this world.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son, Patrick Williams and mother and father-in-law, Alex and Nora Yanulavich and brothers-in-law, Alex M. Yanulavich and Harold Alexander.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, July 26, 2021, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. There will be a Prayer Service with Fr. Reamer at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John Mohr Williams Jr. will be used to place in a special account for a 2022 Scholarship for a Willsboro Central School Student. Please make checks out to: Phyllis Williams, 60 Ros Bo Lane, Morrisonville, NY 12962.
A Very Special Thank You to Dr. Pelton for his exemplary care for Jack for 21 years; our nephew Dr. Volk, who has always been there for us to make sure that Jack got the best care to try and save him; Dr. Bradley and Dr. Garrand who gave him expert Cardiac care; and to all of the truly Amazing Nurses in the ICU and the Comfort Care Unit #517. We never could have gotten through our 23 final days of Jack's precious life without all of you. You are all Angels here on earth, especially Jill, Jessica, Patty, Patrice, Mia, Jackie, Sarah, Shelly, Kayla; every one of you, may you be Blessed for all that you do. We could not have gotten better care anywhere else that we received at CVPH. We love all of you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of John Mohr Williams Jr. please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com