Jim Williams

James Edwin “Jim” Williams, age 86 of Paris, TN, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at his residence.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY, on March 17, 1939, to the late Edwin James Williams and Eleanor Gundersen Williams. He married the love of his life, Ploun Williams, on July 21,1972. Ploun preceded him in death on December 22, 2025.

Jim liked fishing, photography, birds, dogs, camping and insects. This led him to a love of science, graduating from the University of Georgia with a PHD in zoology. He entered the army and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War where he met his wife Ploun. Eventually rising to the rank of Major, he traveled the world researching infectious diseases as a microbiologist and parasitologist. He finished his military career at Walter Reed in Washington D.C. and retired to Paris, TN.

Jim and Ploun lived the greatest love story ever told. A few years after arriving in Paris, Ploun suffered a life changing medical event. Jim spent his last 31 years taking care of the woman he loved, so it is fitting then that he would join her only 6 weeks after her passing. 

Jim is survived by one son, Sampson Williams and his wife Michelle of Clover, SC; two grandchildren, Jackson and Julia Williams; and siblings, Steven Williams of Clarksville, TN and Alice Elam of Huntsville, AL. 

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN, 38242, is handling the arrangements. His remains are to be cremated with no public services scheduled at this time.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 2222 Rosa L Parks Blvd Suite 210, Nashville, TN, 37228.