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University of Utah political professor, mentor J.D. Williams dies

He was only one of my three Master Committee members who failed me on my written comprehensives. He was a stickler which I'm glad he was.

I think of J.D. so often and his passionate, patriotic world view--especially in this day of ugly, greed-centered politics that he despised. He taught me how valuable my rights to vote and to practice free speech are. I'll never forget his influence. He was a giant of a man and a brilliant public servant.

Back in 1966 I was a new teacher, fresh out of college,at the new Churchill Jr. High. One day, when extracurricular activities in which I was involved kept me late, I walked out to my car only to find a totally flat tire. It was dusky outside. No one else was around, and I had never in my life changed a tire. I was tired and wondering what to do. A few cars passed, but no one stopped. When J.D. Williams drove up the hill and saw me there, standing by my car, it was almost dark. He was no doubt headed home to dinner. I recognized him because I had heard him speak and admired his candor and outspoken views and humor. He didn't know me, but immediately took pity on my situation. He stopped, changed the tire, and maintained good humor throughout. My esteem of him rose even more just for that simple act of kindness. I have maintained my esteem for him over the years. Men like him should never die. He is irreplaceable in so many ways!

Dr. Williams is still a part of my way of thinking as he was a freind to me and others through his kindness in a group he called "family", a group he help create in the 1970s that shared spiritual ideas, and organized service projects for other people. He taught me by his actions about every person's worth and was never jugmental. He was always teaching something. He is a great man still.

I sat front row and did not miss one performance from JD Williams that winter quarter. He could recite Jefferson for 10 minutes, or 20. He taught my mentors including Wayne Owens. He taught me that all have liberty and he taught me what liberty meant. He was the best preacher I ever heard. He took the time to come pick me up from my post grad job as a teacher at Judge, and took me to lunch at a greek diner on 1100 and gave me advice on grad school and how to study for the GRE..."Read the Times Sunday Edition." I will never forget this hero. JD, your voice will be forever in my mind and your example a beacon for what we can achieve.

JD Willaims was passionate about every single person's contribution to this democracy. When 18-year-olds were given the vote, he organized a field trip to the county registrar for students to register as voters. He brought to life the founding principles of this country, as well as the personal dynamics of our founders. He imbued his students with a sense of wonder and personal responsibility for our government and the political system. He will be missed.

Going through my 1943 'Eastonian' from East High School, J.D. Williams was larger than life even then, and has only built on it through the years.

Heaven has gained an outstanding individual.

Donna C. Painter

Indirectly, I first met JD when I was 8 years old. I met JD through my World Citizen activist father, William J Luttrell. Dad revered JD and helped promote him during his candidacy for a local political position. I can�t remember which office. I do remember the black text on yellow bumpersticker, though. I used to equate candidate or an elected official to the status of the presidency. That was before it became fouled.

Dad and JD were allies in the effort to bring savvy and fairness to Salt Lake. I think they succeeded. Good for them. Good for us all.

I live in Alaska now; haven�t lived in SLC for 30 years; haven�t kept up that much. JD apparently became something even greater than my childhood image of him.

I was a student of Dr. Williams in 1954. Jack Carlson, who later became a very prominent student leader was also in that class. J.D. enjoyed changing our names a few letters in an exam in order to make the exam more interesting. I became Lois Crobar. I also had the pleasure of asking Dr. williams to attend the Delta Gamma favorite professor banquet. He made sure that it was a proper invitation before he accepted, Even now, ore that 50 years later I remember him fondly. I taught school for 30 years at the High School and College level in Oklahoma.

I was a student of J.D. in the mid-eighties. I don�t think that I even realized at the time just what an icon that he is. I loved him because he was always telling me how smart that I was. I passed J.D. on a campus walkway once when he was walking with Ted Wilson. He even told him how well that I was doing in his class. One of the courses that I took from him was Public Administration. I remember learning in a class that a good manager gets more out of his employees by using a positive rather than a negative approach. I saw that in J.D. Sometimes I regret not having graduated in something more marketable, but then I remember that had I graduated in something else, I may not have been privileged to know J.D.

While attending the funeral I was saddened to be reminded of the story of J.D. leaving the church. Does anyone have any information or insights on what happened? Linda Sheldon sheldon_linda@hotmail.com

I first saw J.D. Williams when I was about twelve years old and went with my family to see a session of the Model UN at the Universtiy of Utah. There was this inspiring young man speaking to several hundred high school students about world peace. I was inspired to join the Model UN later as a high school student. I was a freshman at the University of Utah when J.D. ran for the U.S. Senate. I went to work as a volunteer mostly making phone calls to line up delegates for J.D. at the state convention. Sadly, J.D. lost at the convention. I will never forget that night. With a few other volunteers, I went to J.D.'s house where we gathered in the backyard. J.D. built a campfire and talked about the need for young people to get involved in the political system to make America better. I took a class from J.D. and marveled how he explained the complex relationship between government and business. One more personal note, my father died shortly before that semester and J.D. comforted me. Great people don't always win public office.