James E. Williamson, educator and loving father, passed away at his home in Grandview, Texas. The entire music education community is deeply saddened by the death of this remarkable man.
Born in February 26, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio to the proud parents Clarence Elwood "Woody" Williamson and Virginia Quintella Drake. James Williamson graduated from Sheridan High School in Sheridan, Wyoming.
He served in the United States 5th Division Army, 5th and 179th Bands receiving the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals and graduated from the Armed Forces School of Music in 1964.
Transferred to the Army Reserve, he attended the University of Wyoming on a music scholarship, where he received a Bachelor of Music and Masters of Arts in Music. He received a Doctorate of Arts in Music from the Buxton University in London, England.
During his lifetime, Dr. Williamson received innumerable academic and professional honors, from a distinguished educator in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Drum Major of the University of Wyoming Marching Band, Instructor for the Casper Troopers Drum and Bugler Corps, Conductor of the Austin All-City Band, Kappa Delta Phi educator award from Southwest Texas University, member of 76+4 trombone ensemble in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Conducting Fellow and State Chairman of The College Band Director's National Association.
He has published arrangements and compositions for Trombone Choir and Brass Ensembles that are as diverse as he was. He has consistently inspired students and colleagues for 39 years as a music educator in Utah, Wyoming and Texas. He was the consummate professional and entertainer that inspired others through his indomitable spirit and enthusiasm.
He was an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi fraternities and an active member of the following professional societies: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, National Band Association, International Association of Jazz Educators, International Trombone Association, College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Association, World Association of Bands and Ensembles and The Percy Grainger Society.
He is survived by his mother, Virginia Reedy of Mesa, Arizona, and two sisters, Cris Williamson of Portland, Oregon and Rebecca Williamson of Phoenix, Arizona; former wives, Karie L. Jackson of Pleasant Grove, Utah and Barbara Williamson of Austin, Texas and his four sons, Michael Williamson of Cedar Park, Texas, Steve Williamson of Nyack, New York, Jeff Williamson of Buda, Texas and Robert Williamson of Austin, Texas; and seven grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 6th, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Angel Funeral Home, 600 South 1st St in Austin, TX (512) 441-9738.
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