James Franklin Williamson, Jr.

James “Jimmy” Franklin Williamson, Jr., 56, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday September 22, 2022, after just three days at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington. His adoring wife Julia Ann was by his side/’ as she has been every day for the past 11 years.

Born October 13, 1965, in Berkeley County, South Carolina, Jimmy was the son of the late James Franklin Williamson Sr. and Geneva Delia Lee Williamson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother Randy Winn.

He is survived by his wife Julia Ann Williamson of Wilmington, NC; sons Connor Williamson of Chattanooga, Tenn,  and Jacob Williamson of Alabama; stepdaughter Ashley McGill and stepson David Kirschner, both of Wilmington; sister Marcele Winn Gillum, of Ponte Verde Beach, Fla.; brother Mike Winn, of Jacksonville, Fla.; in-laws Frank Piccolino and Rose Loverde of Wilmington, NC; extended family and a group of outstanding friends on Carolina Beach who rallied around Jimmy and Julie during Jim’s 18-month battle with esophageal cancer.

He served for eight years in the United States Air Force from 1987-1995 as a member of the Air Force Security Forces, serving a tour in Desert Storm/Desert Shield in Southwest Asia. His awards and medals include the Air Force Commendation medal, Air Force Achievement medal and Air Force Longevity service award, among others.

Jimmy never met a stranger and never had a cross word for anyone. On his resume, he described himself as “fast, fun and friendly.” He was trustworthy, loving, gentle and always smiling. He rooted for the Florida Gators, hunted out karaoke bars, and loved a good home-cooked meal. He was true-blue, incredibly proud of his service to his country, genuinely interested in how you were doing and always ready to give anyone the benefit of the doubt — even if they didn’t deserve it. He loved with his whole heart. He loved a good hug.

He will be missed forever.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-4pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Beach Community Church, 5 North 4th Street, Carolina Beach, NC 28428