James Francis Williams, known to friends and family as Jim or Jimmy, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Olathe, Kansas, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 73 years old.

Jim was born on July 8, 1951, in Fulton, Missouri, to Norris and Ola (Branch) Williams. A proud 1969 graduate of New Bloomfield High School, Jim excelled as a basketball player and during his time there, he met his high school sweetheart, Sharon (Sherry) Hall; of Jefferson City, MO and married her on August 23^rd, 1970.  After his high school years, he went on to attend Lincoln University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1973 was also a member of the Army ROTC.

Jim began his professional career at Westlake Hardware before transitioning into the professional staffing industry. His dedication and talent led him to a long successful career, including the formation of Spencer Reed Group, a notable leader in the staffing industry. Starting from 1 small office in downtown Kanas City, Jim and his 2 partners grew the firm into one of the largest privately held staffing companies in the nation.  He was a lynch pin in their organic growth that eventually spanned the nation, from coast to coast.  Spencer Reed grew to an entire family of companies to include Encore Staffing, Personnel Connection, Law Connection, Medical Connection, Econotech, Apex and Associates, and SRG Medical just to name a few.  Spencer Reed Group appeared on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing companies in America a total of 5 times, which led them to becoming the 54^th company in history to be inducted into the Inc. 500 Hall of Fame.  His career took him from Kansas City to Dallas and back to Kansas City becoming an industry leading trainer and keynote speaker. He made long lasting impacts on 100’s, if not 1,000’s of professionals with whom he crossed paths.

In his free time, Jim cherished spending time with friends and family including watching sports of all kinds but most of all, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s activities and was present whenever he had the chance. In addition to his family, Jim’s biggest passions were fishing, and dancing to his favorite music with Sharon; the love of his life. He was a passionate individual with a zest for life and a deep love for his family above everything.

In his twilight years, Jim was passionate about traveling with Sharon and they developed an insatiable love for cruising and seeing the Caribbean’s best beaches and culture. Whenever possible, Jim would enjoy live music, fine hats, and a small sip of the world’s best Scotch.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Norris Williams; mother, Ola Williams; nephew, James Vaughn; brother, David Williams; and brother-in-law Kenneth Vaughn. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Williams of Lake Ozark, Missouri; siblings Debbie Vaughn of Holt’s Summit, Missouri, Renee O’Neil (Michael O’Neil) of North Kansas City, Missouri; daughter Kim Willard (Kirk Willard) of Olathe Kansas; sons Tim Williams (Lisa Williams) of Belton, Missouri, and Ben Williams (Rachele Williams) of Raymore, Missouri; and seven cherished grandchildren: Savanna Willard, Sydney Willard, Avery Williams, James Williams, James Porter, Corbin Williams, and Devin Williams.

Jim faced a long and challenging battle with cancer, diagnosed in early 2023. His grit and determination to fight against such a difficult and relenting disease has proven to be an inspiration to all those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

Inurnment services will be held on Sunday, August 4^th, at 12:30 PM at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 4205 Horner Rd., Jefferson City MO, 65109.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 6^th, at 6:00  PM (to 9:00 PM) at Creekmoor Clubhouse, 1112 E. 163^rd St., Raymore MO, 64083.