John R (Jack) Williams
November 24, 1943 - June 10, 2023

In Loving Memory of John R (Jack) Williams

John R (Jack) Williams, a beloved father and local Christmas tree farmer passed away at the age of 79 on June 10th, 2023 after a short illness. Jack passed in his cabin in the woods with his daughters by his side. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, humor, service, and passion for a more humane world that will be remembered fondly by his family, friends, and customers.

Jack was born in Syracuse on November 24th, 1943 and grew up in Red Creek, NY, where he spent his childhood working on his parents' fruit farm and attending Red Creek Central School with his siblings. A love of farming would later inspire him to build his business: Jack's Christmas Tree Farm and Gift Shop.

Upon graduation from Red Creek High School, Jack proudly enlisted in the United States Army, which galvanized his affinity for order, discipline, and honor. Jack served in Germany as a Corporal.

Jack built his own home with the help of his father, friends, and siblings, in Cato, NY where he and his wife raised their two girls and were active members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Over the years he earned a living as a Prudential insurance agent, a building contractor, and a Wayne County Sheriff's deputy.

A devout Christian, Jack studied the teachings of Jesus Christ and tried to emulate his message of love, faith, and charity with his actions. He studied the Bible and world history to develop his personal relationship with Christ, which was central in his life.

Jack was an avid listener of NPR and viewer of PBS. He was adamant about truth in journalism and our civic responsibility to educate ourselves as American citizens and voters.

Jack was a Buffalo Bills fanatic, known to hoot and holler at Ralph Wilson Stadium once a year for his birthday. He also loved George Carlin and was known to recite "The Seven Words You Can't Say On TV" for anyone over 18 who would listen. He loved Mohammed Ali, Howard Cosell, and John Wayne, as well as Bernie Sanders, Benny Hill, and Robert Frost.

He was a life-long student of US History, in particular WWII, during which his father, Jack E Williams, served as a Commanding Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean. The "Chief", tall and lean, ran a tight ship, and his son adopted his affinity for leadership and service. His mother, Marguerite "June" Taylor, moved to Red Creek to run a fruit farm with her husband where she raised her eight children in the Roman Catholic faith. The couple lost their first child in infancy. June was known for her striking beauty; locals who remember her often say she looked like a movie star.

Jack loved nature and could identify each variety of tree and species of bird in the region. He longed to "build a cabin in the woods" and live a life of solitude. His Christmas tree farm was his Camelot. He spent many hours in the woods behind his home hunting, forever in search of that trophy buck who ultimately eluded him.

Jack was a proud union member who believed in workers rights and human rights. Some of his beloved charities were the American Legion, the ACLU, the USO, and The Nature Conservancy.
Jack sincerely believed in Big Foot and would often travel with watchful eyes through remote areas of the northern states and Canada on his way to the state of Washington. He once took a solo trek through much of Alaska. Jack amassed an impressive collection of Big Foot of DVD's and VHS tapes, and often brought them with him on visits to relatives and friends to share the thrilling evidence he had discovered.

Jack was an active member and former Commander of American Legion Post 436 in Red Creek. He enjoyed participating in the Flag Day assembly at Margaret W. Cuyler Elementary School in Red Creek, at which he and his fellow Legionnaires taught children to properly handle and display the US flag, and talked to them about respect and honor.

Jack also enjoyed participating in Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies in his dress uniform, often with live music and a 21-gun salute. Jack attended these events religiously and held them dear to his heart. He showed up in rain, heat, and even snow to every event he could manage. His commitment to the American Legion was unwavering, and he found great pride in demonstrations of honor for our military and its veterans.

Jack was known for the joy he brought to countless families during the holiday season. For more than 30 years, he owned and operated his Christmas tree farm, which became a beloved destination for families searching for the perfect tree and a memorable adventure. His dedication to providing an enjoyable experience for his patrons showcased his proud and generous spirit.

Jack helped his siblings build their own homes. In turn, his family and friends worked together to build his home. The development and maintenance of his tree farm was much a result of the dedicated and tireless work of his nephew, Gregory Matyjewicz of Red Creek. Over the years Jack gave employment to several tree cutters, whom he paid well and kept busy, Greg Matyjewicz, Mark Ingleston, Ryan Mulholland, Alex Mulholland, Christopher and Ritchie Williams, Allen Freer, and more.

Jack kept meticulous records of his sales and paid every penny of the taxes he rightfully owed. Jack did not aspire to great wealth, and often rooted for the underdog. He was known for giving generous gifts to friends, family, and strangers alike. He once partnered with a dear friend, Jack McGreivey of Victory, NY to anonymously give a local man a new-ish modular home because he was living in a structure that did not protect him from the elements. They did not tell anyone about this gift.

As a building contractor, Jack built three homes in Cayuga County, his tree farm, and the recreation hall at St Patrick's Church in Cato, NY. For many years he worked winterizing homes and upgrading electrical and plumbing deficiencies under government grants to provide better housing for the poor.

Jack served as a Cato Volunteer Firefighter and EMT for most of the ten years he lived in Cato. He also worked as a substitute school bus driver for the Cato-Meridian Central School District.

Beyond his many accomplishments and roles, John was a pillar of strength and a constant mentor for his daughters. He insisted they get a top-notch education, and he infused education into every day living as a rule. He coached softball when they were in middle school. He insisted they learn to change a tire, and was known to say loudly, "No daughter of MINE is going to be stuck on the side of the road waiting for some MAN to change her tire."  He was also known to declare loudly, "They can say what they want about me, but they can't say I had ugly children!" His admiration extended to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. He cherished time spent with them, and his love for his family knew no bounds.

Jack is survived by his daughters Theresa McDowell (Michael) of Cheney, WA; Colleen Williams (Julie Walsh) of Avon, NY; Tina Williams-Blanchard (Jodie) of Red Creek; six grandchildren: Mandy McDowell, Megan McDowell, Makayla Blanchard-Davis, Christopher Williams, Richard Williams, and Madison McDowell.  Jack is also survived by three great grandsons, as well as his siblings James E Williams and Janet Williams Buser; along with many beautiful nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his sister Mary Williams Fahrenholz (Ed), and three brothers: Joseph Williams, Christopher Patrick Kelley Williams, and Steven Williams (Eleen).

Jack will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all those fortunate enough to have known him. His sense of humor, warm smile, and genuine kindness touched the lives of many. Although he has departed this earthly realm, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in the cherished memories they shared with him during his remarkable life.

Calling hours are Thursday, June 15, 6-8:00 with military honors and a brief service to follow at Becker Keysor Funeral Home, 6186 Church St, Red Creek, NY 13143. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Legion at Peterson-Hall Post 436, PO Box 19, Red Creek NY 13143.