Our loving husband, dad and grandpa, Jakie “Jake” C. Williams, 72, passed away Monday, Jan. 31, while hospitalized at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona.
Jake was born Sept. 18, 1949, in Thermopolis, to Curtis and Marty Williams. He grew up and attended school in Evanston.
He was a member of the U.S. Army from October 1966 to October 1968, where he proudly served as a combat medic in the Vietnam War.After his service, he married the love of his life, Rae Saxton, May 2, 1969, in Evanston. They lived in Evanston, where they raised their three children.
Jake served his community as a law enforcement officer for the Evanston Police Department, Mountain View Police Department and Uinta County Sheriff’s Office for over 35 years. He also worked several years in the oilfield as a salesman and a mud engineer. Jake was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Korein Shriners and the Evanston Masonic Lodge.
After retirement, Jake and Rae enjoyed being snowbirds in Arizona, and going on many adventures with friends and family.
Jake is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rae of Evanston; son, James (Brandy) of Brush Prairie, Washington; daughter, Karen (Bubba O’Neill) of Evanston; and daughter, Leslie (Neil Ishikawa) of Sacramento, California; nine grandchildren, Rocco O’Neill, Kolemen Hansen, Victoria Williams, Hailey O’Neill Bauchat (James), Olivia Williams, Nicholas Hamilton Ishikawa, Domonique Hansen, River Ishikawa, and Elle Ishikawa; sister, Judy Crow of Sherman, Texas; brother-in-law, Jim Saxton (Terry) of Evanston and Wes Saxton of Riverton.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Faye Benedict; parents-in-law, Harold and Edna Saxton; brother-in-law, Bobby J. Crow; and brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Lorraine McKinnon.
At Jake’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.
