Benjamin Williams

Benjamin Lee Williams of Jacksonville Beach, FL, passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2025 at the age of 50. Born on April 10, 1974, in Bloomington, IL, Ben was the beloved son of Loren Roy Williams and Katherine Duffy Williams of Madison, NJ. He was a cherished middle brother to Theodore D. Williams of Madison, NJ, and Matthew T. Williams of Mendham, NJ. Ben is survived by his sons, Benjamin Hugh “Hugh" Williams and Thomas Grogan "Tig" Williams, both students at Ponte Vedra High School, who were the light of his life. His parents, brothers, sons, nieces, nephews, and large extended family mourn his passing but celebrate his extraordinary life. A Life of Achievement and Humor After graduating from Madison High School in Madison NJ in 1992, Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond in 1996, where he was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He later obtained his Juris Doctorate from New York Law School in 2006. Following law school, Ben moved to Tampa, FL, and later settled in Jacksonville, where he established his own law firm, Williams Law PA. As a dedicated attorney and fierce advocate, he specialized in personal injury and class action lawsuits, earning respect and trust from colleagues and clients alike. Before his legal career, Ben worked in television production as a sound and lighting engineer. Notably, he contributed to the Sesame Street show and served as the lighting board operator for The Howard Stern Show on the E! channel in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known affectionately on the show as "Benny the Lighting Guy," Ben redesigned the show's lighting system and earned a spot in the television credits, endearing himself to his coworkers. An avid golfer with a low handicap since high school, Ben was a true sportsman. He cherished scuba diving trips in the Florida Keys with his sons and passionately supported the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jacksonville Jaguars. Known for his sharp wit, ever-present humor, and remarkable intellect, Ben was often described as the funniest and smartest person in the room. He delighted in teaching his sons through hands-on experiments in physics and chemistry as well as tinkering with carpentry and electrical engineering projects. His family fondly remember him as the ultimate “wise guy” and “instigator,” always ready with a joke and a plan. His sons will forever cherish his deep pride and encouragement of their curiosity through experiment and invention. He leaves a legacy of laughter, learning, and love. Memorial Service A memorial service will be held at Christ Church in Ponte Vedra, FL at 2:00 PM ET on January 16, 2025. Details for a Celebration of Life event in New Jersey will be announced in the coming weeks. Ben touched many lives with his humor, brilliance, and generosity. More than anything he was a loving father, son, brother and friend to many. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ben’s name to charitable organizations that reflect Ben’s love of teaching, exploration, innovation and generosity or to organizations that he felt deeply about. They are (i) The Camp Sea Gull Fund – Supporting disadvantaged youth to attend the summer camp Ben’s sons loved. Donate at: https://www.seagull-seafarer.org/support/annual-campaign; or (ii) The Jason George Memorial Foundation - A foundation in memory of Jason George, a close family friend (the “4th Williams Brother”) who was killed while serving in Iraq in 2009. It provides scholarships to high school graduates intending to serve our country or University of Michigan Business School students who are veterans. Donate at: https://www.jgfoundation.org. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Benjamin Williams

April 10, 1974 - January 3, 2025