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John Williams Jr.

John Christian Williams Jr., 85, of Cape St. Claire, died Oct. 21 at Future Care - Chesapeake in Arnold after a brief illness.

Mr. Williams was born in Washington, D.C., to the late Julia Ann and John Christian Williams. During his youth he witnessed many historical events, including presidential inaugurations and the construction of the Senate and House office buildings and the Jefferson Memorial.

A graduate of Eastern High School in Washington, he joined the Marine Corps and was a member of the commissioning crew and Marine detachment aboard the light cruiser USS Topeka, seeing action in several Pacific campaigns during World War II. He was also one of the first Marines to land on the Japanese homeland after the Japanese surrender in 1945.

After the war he worked at the Washington Navy Yard and spent several years driving his own taxi cab in the District while living in Silver Spring. In 1973 he moved to Cape St. Claire, where he enjoyed many hobbies, including watching Broadneck youth sporting activities, playing tennis, telling stories, caring for his pets and family-related activities.

He was the widower of the former Mary Louise Aja, to whom he was married for 53 years, and the father of the late John C. Williams III.

Surviving are his daughter, Jona Lee Souder of Cape St. Claire; one son, John F. Williams of Arnold; one sister, Nellie May Williams of Falls Church, Va.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. tomorrow at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway. The funeral service and burial will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com.