Justin R. ‘Jut' Williams, age 86, of Richland Center, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 6, 2007 at Schmitt Woodland Hills. He was born on the farm in Viola on August 25, 1920, the son of William and Freda (Ambrose) Williams. He attended Camp Creek Grade School and graduated as Salutatorian of Viola High School in 1937. He farmed with his brother until joining the Army on June 15, 1942. He served 39 ½ months in the Pacific, receiving four Battle Stars, and returned home on September 22, 1945. At that time, he took over the Ambrose homestead farm, and married Essie Glick on February 28, 1948. They opened their home to foster children including Judy Ford and Curtis Barto. Essie preceded Jut in death in April 1958. Jut joined the Richland Center Post office in January 1959 as a substitute mail carrier. He married Barbara Glick McCumber on October 1, 1960, gaining a loving family. He served as Assistant Postmaster until his retirement in 1979. He and Barb wintered in Florida during retirement, and later moved to Schmitt Woodland Hills. Barb preceded Jut in death in May 2004. He was very proud of his service and commitment to Lions Club, where he reached District Governor status. He enjoyed fishing, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, visiting with staff and other residents, but most of all visiting with his family.

Survivors include his children: Jerome ‘Jerry' (Kathy) McCumber of Richland Center; Judy (Al) Larson of Brodhead

Ten grandchildren: Adrian McCumber; Kevin (Kelly) McCumber; Laurie (Kevin) Fawcett; Susie (Greg) Weis; Chris (John) Nash; Jerome ‘Butch' McCumber; Cliff (April) McCumber; Tim (Sherri) O'Grady; Dan (Jodi) O'Grady; Brian Larson;

12 great grandchildren: Bobbie and Stephanie McCumber; Mackenzie and Mikalah Weise; His namesake: Justin McCumber; Chance McCumber; Shawn, Erin, Katie Rose, Tim Jr., Patrick, and McKenzie O'Grady; Amanda Drummer; One great great grandson Johnathon O'Grady; Two brothers: Russell Williams of Sparta; Vernon Williams of Wisconsin Rapids; His sister in law: Marilyn Williams of Richland Center.

Jut was further preceded in death by his son Donald and his brother Ernest.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at the VIOLA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. Pastors Laverne Larson and Mary Jeffries will officiate. Burial will be in the Viola Cemetery with military honors provided by the Hamilton Harris American Legion Post 447 of Viola. Friends may call at the PRATT MEMORIAL CHAPEL in Richland Center on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 from 4 PM until 7 PM or at the church on Wednesday morning from 10 AM until the time of the service at 11:00. The Pratt Funeral Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.