James Glen Williams

James Glen Williams was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 19th, 1936, to Clarence Glenn Williams and Evelyn Williams. He passed from this life on November 9th, 2026. He and his wife Yvonne were married on March 19th, 1955. He lived with the love of his life for 66 years, a relationship that stemmed back to first grade.

He graduated from Tulsa University with a BA in pre-ministry. He then obtained a Master of Divinity degree at Southern Methodist University. From there he studied at the University of Chicago and then at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute in Cincinnati where he obtained a PHD in Hebrew Bible and related studies. Finally, he accepted a position in the department of religion at Syracuse University in 1966 and taught there for 32 years. He spent a year in Strasbourg, France teaching for their abroads program. Being a prolific traveler, James visited France, Spain, Austria, England, Scotland, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Canada, and Mexico. Through all of his education and travels his beloved wife Yvonne was always by his side as a devoted wife and supporter. James was the author of five books and an editor and translator of seven others. He was also involved in the Colloquium on Violence & Religion (COV&R), where he served as Executive Secretary.

His wife Margaret Yvonne Williams passed away on July 31st, 2021, as well as his daughter Katherine Williams of Edmond, OK on February 10, 2026. Another child of theirs, Kathleen, passed away shortly after birth in 1956 and a grandson Kadeem died in 2010.

James is survived by his brother, Robert Douglas Williams, his son, Michael Williams of Fulton, NY, his daughter Shanah Williams of Syracuse, NY, as well as five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and to great-great grandchildren.

James would like to be remembered as a faithful husband and father, as a faithful friend and as someone who made a contribution in his areas of work and ministry.

Public visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. A Rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. 

Services will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, OK. Interment will be held following the service at 2:00 p.m. at Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery in Sand Springs, OK.