Jimmy R. Williams

Jimmy Rogers Williams was born in Stockton, Georgia on March 28, 1946 to the late John and Vera Williams. He was the eighth born of nine children, seven girls and two boys. Six of his seven sisters preceded him in death.  Jimmy departed this life on August 19, 2024 at Brynwood Health and Rehabilitation Centerin Monticello, Florida after a lengthy illness. He made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ while a resident there.

Jimmy’s family has many fond memories of him. As a young boy, two of his older sisters would “gang up” on him and make him do their chores. At the age of twelve, Jimmy sprung up to almost six feet tall and decided that he would no longer tolerate their abuse.

Jimmy’s gift was his wonderful sense of humor and his ability tomake everyone feel at ease. This gift would take him far in life. His ability to connect with people would result in a very successful career. 

Jimmy had varied interests, including collecting fine art, studying the bible, studying other languages and physical fitness. At 6’8” tall, Jimmy was a very kind, smart andrespectful gentle giant. 

Jimmy graduated from Havana Northside High School, Havana, Florida, in 1964 where he excelled in academics as well as basketball. He earned an Associate’s Degree at Gibbs JuniorCollege where he was an all conference basketball player on a state of Florida junior college championship team. Jimmy went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in business administration with a minor in education at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. He was a college division All-American for the Eagles and helped the school to the college division national championship in 1969.

Jimmy began his coaching career at his alma mater, Ashland University, as the head coach of the junior varsity squad. He accumulated a 12-3 record during the 1969-70 season.  Jimmy was hired as an assistant

basketball coach and scout for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in 1971 where he remained for 15 seasons. 

Jimmy was ranked as one of the top 15 best recruiters in the nation by Basketball Times magazine. His recruiting classes were ranked best in the nation in 1980 and 1984. In 1986, Jimmy became the first ever African-American head men’s basketball coach at the University of Minnesota. He coached 36 players who went on to the National Basketball Association, including 15 first round draft picks.

In the year 2000, Jimmy left college basketball and took a position with the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association as an assistant coach under Timberwolves general manager, Kevin McHale and head coach, Flip Saunders. Jimmy remained with the Timberwolves until September 2002. 

Jimmy was also an assistant coach and scout at the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, University of Louisiana (Lafayette), University of Nebraska and the University of Memphis. 

Jimmy also earned a spot on the Harlem Globetrotter’s roster but chose to go into coaching instead. 

Jimmy’s career spanned over 40 years.  

Jimmy’s kindness, compassion, professionalism and sense of humor endeared him to many of his coaching peers and recruits.  Even through his illness, many of his coaching peers and recruits maintained a network that constantly sought information about his condition and prayed for his recovery. Some of those who demonstrated their love and concern for Jimmy were Kevin Wilson, 

Jim Petersen, Kevin McHale along with others. 

Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory, sister, FranceslonForehand; brother, Michael Williams (Carl Ann); two nephewswho assisted and served him during his illness, Charles Forehand, Jr. (Cheryl) and Kendrick Williams (Lajuan); nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends who loved him. 

Jimmy was preceded in death by his sisters, Cleatis Parker,Evelyn Norwood, Johnnie Beauford, Willie Jo Bennett, BillyLois Wright and Glenda Williams. 

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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