James R. and Katherine H. Williams Fund

James and Katherine “K.T.” Williams may have been a man and woman of the world, but their legacy will live on for generations in the region they eventually called home.

James and K.T. met in Manila, Philippines where, K.T.’s father was stationed after World War II and James was working after his military service. After welcoming their first two children, Russ and Jim, in the Philippines, the Williams family moved back to James’ hometown of Quincy, Illinois where their daughter Lynn was born. While the couple continued to enjoy travel, especially sailing to the British Virgin Islands, Quincy had become their home base.

James was the owner of Abbott Automotive Supply Company for 41 years. Katherine Williams was an active member of her church, charter member of the Quincy Symphony Chorus, and an active sportswoman. When estate planning, Katherine knew she wanted to help as many people as she could.

“My mother wanted something that would help a lot of people, not just one organization,” Jim Williams, Katherine’s son, said.

The James R. and Katherine H. Williams Fund will do just that. As an unrestricted endowment, the fund honors James and Katherine’s many interests while providing support to needs and opportunities throughout the Community Foundation’s 12-county service area.