02 February 2024 Final

Farewell, Dear Friend
By Anita Tillman, Managing Editor
The loss of a member is always a difficult season to navigate,
and while we certainly understand the circle of life,
it is never easy to say goodbye. On Saturday, January 20,
2024, the LMA was met with the devastating news of the
loss of Past President Jimmy Williams who was not only a
mayor and active LMA board member but a true friend and
mentor to so many. An excerpt from the LMA resolution
honoring him reads:
The Honorable James “Jimmy” Byron Williams, Mayor of
Sibley, Louisiana, gave steadfast and faithful service
to the Louisiana Municipal Association
and the Board of Directors for numerous
years. Mayor Williams served
as District A Vice president from
2013 – 2016. He was elected
and served as LMA Second
Vice President in 2017, LMA
First Vice President in 2018,
and LMA President for two
consecutive years, 2019 –
2021. He remained on the
LMA Board as a Past President
until his passing.
Mayor Williams’ leadership
as LMA President for
two years during the unprecedented
COVID pandemic
provided stability and helped
to sustain and maintain LMA, RMI,
LaMATS, and the affiliates. His kind
spirit and positive attitude provided a beacon
of hope and comfort during the dark days of
COVID-19.
Even while in the midst of his own very tough fight and
ultimate victory against cancer, Mayor Williams led LMA
through some of the most challenging years in many
of our lifetimes. His wisdom, steady hand, and courage
brought this association successfully out of a pandemic
and a hurricane season that brought back-to-back landfalls
in our state. To say Jimmy Williams was a fighter would
be an understatement.
The late U.S. Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf said, “Leadership
is a combination of strategy and character. If you must
be without one, be without the strategy.” As much as Mayor
Williams’ tactical prowess emerged when it was needed
most, it is his unquestionable character that will forever
remain as the true testament to his legacy.
Mayor Williams was a fierce proponent of LMA, not only
for the mission-driven activities but also for the networking
and relationship-building that LMA facilitates. “My relationship
with Jimmy clicked almost immediately,” said
Grosse Tete Mayor Michael Chauffe. “The fact that two men
from completely different areas of the state would converge
throughout the years and find themselves forming
a bond that would last a lifetime meant the world to me.
Our thoughts on politics, family, God, and country were
so very familiar, and he will continue to influence my
life for years to come. I lost a great friend, and
we all lost a great man. That’s tough to
bounce back from.”
A loss for words has been the
common sentiment from LMA’s
heartbroken members, leaders,
and staff, as all are processing
the loss of a sitting
Past President. “What can
you possibly say about
a great man who’s been
taken too soon,” said LMA
President Derrick Johnson,
Sr. “I’m in shock and
saddened beyond belief.
Jimmy Williams was a good
man. He believed in character
and integrity. I genuinely hope
his passing brings out leadership
traits in his honor. I know that’s what
I’ll do. I pray that we all will. Jimmy was
a friend and a man of great character who always
spoke his mind. I will forever be grateful for the
time we shared and the wisdom he left me.”
Woodworth Mayor and LaMATS Board President David
Butler shared a similar sentiment saying, “It’s impossible to
convey the shock and sadness we feel at the loss of our
friend Mayor Jimmy Williams. Jimmy was a stalwart servant
leader in all his roles, particularly indispensable during disaster
recovery, as a champion for the Clerk’s Association,
and as a loyal friend to his peers. Serving as LaMATS Vice
President, Jimmy was more than prepared to lead our organization
at the next rotation of officers. His guidance
and humor and wise counsel will be sorely missed.”
Mayor Williams’ impact far exceeded LMA, as he left his
mark on subsidiaries Risk Management, Inc. and LaMATS.
“It’s been an honor to work alongside Mayor Williams for
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LMR | FEBRUARY 2024