MALAD — James Bland Williams, 75, of Malad, died early Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, 1991, at his home of natural causes.
He was born Nov, 26, 1916, in Preston, Idaho, the son of James H. and Elva Price Williams, while his father was teaching school in Maple ton, Idaho. He grew up in Gwenford, a suburb of Samaria, attended elementary school in Pleasantview, and was a graduate of Malad High School in 1935.
During high school, he was a member of the champion state livestock judging team. He attended Albion State Normal School for one year, and was also a surveyor.
He married his high school sweetheart, Ardelle B. Evans April 3, 1936, in Logan, Utah. They lived in Gwenford and Malad. He operated a cattle ranch with his father, and later his son-in-law, Richard Goddard all his life. He also operated a sheep ranch in the Pahsimeroi Valley for several years, in partnership with Lee Madsen.
Earlier in his life, he operated Brownie’s Cafe in Malad. He was also a cattle buyer and bought and sold cattle throughout eastern Idaho. He was a pilot and member of the Malad Eagles Lodge, Salmon Elks Lodge, Malad Valley Posse and the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association.
He was a member of the LDS Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ardelle, of Malad; a daughter, Mrs. Richard (Janice) Goddard, Malad; two sons, Idaho State Auditor J.D. Williams and wife Rosemary of Boise, and Daniel D. Williams and wife Mary Jane of Franklin; eight granddaughters, five great-granddaughters, and three great-grandsons: three sisters, Mrs. Richard (Jennie) Hobbs, Logan, Utah, Mrs. Theron (Ruth) Blaisdell, Malad, and Mrs. Leon (Joann) Allphin Gilford, St. George, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Wayne and Henry.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec, 14, at noon in the Malad LDS Stake Chapel. Friends may call at the Benson-Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 North, Malad, on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday prior to services. Burial will be in the Samaria Cemetery