James Vern Williams

James Vern Williams, age 85, entered into rest on November 6, 2017, in Tallahassee. He was born in Cohutta, Georgia, and had been a resident of Tallahassee since 1953. He attended Berry College from 1949 to 1951; served honorably in the Navy from 1951 to 1953; and completed his education at Florida State University in 1955 with a BS in Accounting. He was employed by E.C. Allen, CPA, in 1955, quickly becoming a managing partner in the firm. He continued serving a broad base of clients as the firm of Williams, Cox, Weidner and Cox expanded, retiring from Carr, Riggs and Ingram in 2016. He served in one or more capacities in the leadership and/or Boards of Directors of many civic and professional organizations, including but not limited to: AFAI, Capital City Country Club, CPA America, CPA Mutual, Florida State Board of Accountancy, Goodwood Museum and Garden, JayCees, Lemoyne Art Foundation, Mission San Luis, Museum of Art and Science, Myers Park Neighborhood Association, Rotary Club (multiple chapters), Salvation Army Tallahassee, and United Way of the Big Bend. He was a donor to and fundraiser for countless organizations, including being an FSU Booster for 50+ years. An active force in local politics, he served on numerous campaigns in his lifetime. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for nearly 30 years, where he served in various leadership positions as well. In addition to being a father and grandfather, veteran, CPA, and businessman, Vern will be remembered as a fighter, a survivor, a jokester, a flirt, a golfer, a Seminole, a teacher, a leader, and a friend. He loved red wine, reading, music, gardening, art, traveling, and the company of good friends. He devoted his life to serving and leading his community, whether as a fierce but principled businessman, a mentor to many, an energetic and engaged civic leader, or a generous benefactor. He was predeceased by his parents, Horace Monroe and Lida Allen Williams; his siblings, Clara Watson and Max, Wayne, Don, and Jan Williams; and his beloved wife, Debra Sue. Survivors include his four daughters Kate Garcia, of Roanoke, VA; Valerie Tucker (Don), of Tallahassee, FL; Jenny Williams (Dan Leshem), of New York City, NY; and Rachael Kazimir (Michal), of Denver, CO; one stepson, Michele Bertoldi (Katie) of Tallahassee, FL; eleven grandchildren Cathleen Garcia-Barcenas (Jaime Barcenas) and Maria Chacon, of Roanoke, Virginia; Stephen McNeese (Tiffany) Pensacola, FL; Nikki Sebold (Brian), of Tallahassee, FL; Don Tucker III, Springdale, AR; Mayzie and Yotam Leshem, of New York City, NY; Hudson and Willa Kazimir, of Denver, CO; Giuliana and Luca Bertoldi, of Tallahassee, FL; four great-grandchildren, Adrian and Quinn Barcenas, of Roanoke, VA; Peter and Malachi McNeese of Pensacola, FL; many nieces, nephews, and their children; LaVerne Lambert, mother of Kate and Valerie; Marcia Humphress, mother of Michele, Jenny, and Rachael; “adopted daughter” Nan Rogers, and special friend Mary Jo Roberts, as well as a host of friends, colleagues, and clients with whom he served in this community and beyond for many years. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 10 at 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary Foundation or to the charity of your choice. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

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James Vern Williams

October 16, 1932 - November 6, 2017