Gerald "Jerry" Williams

Gerald (Jerry) David Williams of Hamilton passed away five days shy of his 81st birthday on August 5, 2014 of natural causes. He was born August 10, 1933 in Carrier Mills, Illinois, son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Emery Williams. He spent his school years in Marion Illinois, attended the University of Arizona where he met his wife Judith Drachman of La Grange, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois Dental School in Chicago in 1957. He served as an officer in the Navy and was stationed in Alameda, California and Barbers Point, Hawaii before settling in Denver, Colorado where he practiced dentistry for 20 years and raised his family. He then returned to the U of Ill dental school as a faculty member and associate dean. At age 51, he could not resist moving to Montana where he attended the University of Montana Law School and began his second career as a lawyer. He practiced law in Hamilton as a public defender, deputy county attorney and justice of the peace.
Jerry was an avid horseman and all-around outdoorsman. He loved being on a mountain on his beloved horse, Ben, or skiing with friends at Lost Trail. He was a member and past president of Hamilton Lions Club and served on the boards of Cross Roads Chemical Dependency and Ravalli Services.
He was preceded in death by his son David in 1994 and brother Joseph Williams of Marion.
He is survived by Judy, his wife of 59 years; daughters, Leslie Williams, Gail Cluff (Chris) of Hamilton; son, Paul Williams (Julie) of Evergreen Colorado; six grandchildren, Leanne and Joe Williams, Kate and Charlie Cluff, Grant and Paige Williams; his sister, Vera Follmer (Mack) of Eugene Oregon.
There will be a celebration of life for Jerry will be Saturday, September 6th at the Bitterroot River Inn from 4 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Bitterroot Youth Home, St Labre Indian School (stlabre.org), Special Olympics or charity of choice. Jerry's family wishes to thank the staff of The Remington for their loving care. Jerry was a loyal family man and will be deeply missed.