James A. Williamson Jr. ’64

Jim, who was born in Detroit and raised in Reading, Pa., died Feb. 11, 2024. He was a happy man and loved life. It was impossible not to like Jim, with his laid-back demeanor, dry sense of humor, intelligent conversation, and warm, gentle, and endearing personality.

He was valedictorian at Mount Penn High School before matriculating to Princeton, where he majored in math and participated in Army ROTC, McCarter Workshop, Chess Club, and Terrace. He received an MBA from Harvard, followed by a fascinating career: IBM; Army first lieutenant; computer startup in New York City; management consultant; law degree from George Washington University; attorney in the DC office of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; hearing examiner at the U.S. Department of Energy; and finally, CEO of the family tool business, Jaw Manufacturing Co., in Reading.

Jim was a devout Christian Scientist and an inquisitive science guy. He loved music, especially barbershop and singing with the Pretzel City Chorus.

In Washington, he met his future wife, Judy, at a party to which neither had been invited. It was a long and loving marriage that produced daughter Kate. Jim will be greatly missed by Judy, Kate, his extended family, and each of us who has been privileged to be his friend.