Thomas James Williams, 83

Thomas James Williams “Jim” or “Alamo,” longtime resident of Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, passed away Dec. 12, 2015, at Kootenai Health at the age of 83.

Thomas was born Aug. 25, 1932, in Twisp, Wash., went to school in Wenatchee, Wash., enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He then started his career as a heavy equipment operator and worked on many projects all over the northwest, from highway projects and bridges to hydro-electric dams. He was a proud member of Operating Engineers for more than 50 years and a member of the Local 370. He had worked for several different construction companies, lately Inland Asphalt Co. where he retired from before starting his own company, Alamo Excavating, from 1983-1997. Jim fondly remembered all of his customers.

In 1971, Jim met and married Viola Brueder, increasing his family by three daughters at the time. Their family eventually grew to include many grand and great-grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed fishing for any kind of fish, his favorite being Kokanee. He also enjoyed hunting deer and elk and traveling with Viola in the motor home. He had endless stories about his life and what he had done and the adventures he had.

Jim will be greatly missed by friends and family.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at the Coeur d’Alene Eagles Hall in the upstairs hall.

You may visit Jim’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.