James Robert Burger Williamson Jr.

James Robert Burger Williamson Jr. "Jim" passed away on May 24, 2026 at the age of 86. He was born in Swannanoa, NC on September 10, 1939 to James Robert Burger Williamson Sr. and Alice Elizabeth Rucker Williamson. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his first wife, Isabell "Issy" Williamson and his brother William "Bill" Williamson.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Williamson; son Robby Williamson and his wife Becky; daughter Diann Eaton and her husband Marc; grandchildren Eliza Kerr and her husband Morgan, Neal Eaton and his wife Stephanie, Caleb Williamson, and Issy Williamson; great-grandson Rhodes Kerr; brother Dennis "Denny" Williamson and his wife Joy Lou; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim took pride in being a long-time resident of Southwest Virginia. Growing up throughout the region and eventually settling in Lee County, where there was little to do besides ride around rabble-rousing in cars with his brothers and friends and playing every sport available.

He attended and graduated from Union College, where he dove headfirst into basketball, track, and intramurals. He was a member of the "U" Club, an organization for student athletes who had lettered in any sport. It was at Union where he also met his wife, Issy, someone who shared his love of a good laugh and a long conversation.

After marrying, Jim and Issy settled in Christiansburg, where he began his career at the Health Department before moving on to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitative Services - a role that was truly his calling and that jumpstarted his knowing of, and about, almost everyone in Montgomery County and beyond. That, along with his Moose Lodge membership and participation in recreational sports leagues, connected him with many in his community.

Not long after moving to Christiansburg, Jim and Issy welcomed their son JRBW III (Robby), followed soon by Diann, and their family was complete. As a father, he embodied the role fully - always involved in everything they did and always making sure they had everything they needed. Jim, Issy, Robby, and Diann had a special dynamic and a sense of humor that almost felt like a second language, one that has trickled down through the generations that followed.

After many years in rehabilitative services, he was able to enjoy an early retirement. The years that followed were marked by both highs and lows - first, in 1994, the birth of his first grandchild, and then, heartbreakingly, the passing of his beloved Issy.

After Issy's passing, he immersed himself in the role of Grandad and earned the moniker that those who loved him most called him: Jingdaddy. To his grandchildren, he was a caretaker, a playmate, a goofball, and a best friend. Even until the end, he stayed close to them all - always checking in, offering advice, and giving the world's best hugs.

Jim was lucky enough to have two great loves in his life. For the past 31 years, Judy has been an amazing partner, sharing in a love of sports, travel, and a good sense of humor. Jim not only gained a wonderful new wife but also a supportive extended family. Judy’s twin sister Trudy and her husband Michael have been there for them every step of the way.

Jim and Judy were married in 2013, after an extended courtship. She has taken great care of him in his later years - not only as his devoted and loving wife, but as his advocate and biggest supporter.

Jim was a fixture in his community and a comforting presence to everyone who knew him, whether that meant running into him at Hardee's grabbing a cup of coffee, seeing him playing basketball at the rec center (which he did until he was 80 years old!), catching up with him over a beer at Macado's, or bumping into him at Shelor Motor Mile. If you needed something, he was willing to drop everything to come help out. He always wanted to hear about you - what you had been up to, and how you were doing. He genuinely cared about people and had a gift for remembering the details that made everyone feel special and seen.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Christiansburg, Virginia on June 7th at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation to follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to World Central Kitchen https://donate.wck.org/campaign/749360/donate . If you would like to share a story about Jim with his family, please send by email to diannw.eaton@gmail.com.