James Harry Williamson

James “Jim/Jimmy” Harry Williamson, 83, of Laurel, MD, passed away on February 9, 2022, at Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, MD.

James was born in New Hope, KY to Mary Margaret O’Bryan Williamson and James “Bo” Walter Williamson on August 1, 1938.  He graduated school at Saint Charles High School in St Mary, KY in 1955.  After graduation, he served in the Air Force and was eventually stationed in Alaska.  Upon leaving the Air Force he was employed by IBM and worked as an Engineer at various locations in the Washington DC Metro area.  As part of his duties, he was a member of the task force that supported the Apollo 17 moon flight and various other missions at Goddard Space Flight Center.  He retired from IBM in 1992.   James married Velma Lee Grimes on July 1, 1977, in Laurel, MD.  He enjoyed restoring antique cars and was an avid private pilot.  He and his wife Velma, flew his 1947 Navion to numerous destinations across the country including the West Coast, Yellowstone NP, the Grand Canyon NP, Jackson Hole, WY and Gatlinburg, TN. He was involved with the “Monday Work Crew” at the Resurrection of our Lord Catholic Church in Laurel, MD.   James was also a country music fan and enjoyed playing guitar with his friends and family.

James is preceded in death by his father and mother, his sister Rita Williamson Masterson and his brothers Harold “Shorty”, Kenny, and Steve Williamson.

He is survived by his wife Velma, his sons Danny Williamson, Howard and Alan Grimes, his sisters Shirley Williamson Higdon, Joanne Williamson Higdon, Wanda Williamson Howard, Lisa Williamson and his brothers John, Mike, Joe, and Brian Williamson.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.