WILLIAMS, John Parks "JP" Age 76, of Liberty St. in Elmira, passed away on June 10, 2008 at his home. JP was the son of the late Gordon "Benny" and Crystal (Parks) Williams. JP is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary (Forsberg) Williams. He is also survived by the following family members, his son, David Williams of NC, Robert Williams (Kelli) of Vallejo, CA, Linda Stirling of Escondido, CA, Susan Williams (Wes Melbie) of Elmira, NY; stepsons, Robert Foulk (Diane) of West Field, PA, and David Foulk (Karen) of Elmira, NY; his beloved grandchildren, Amy Williams and Nickolus Hadick, Jason, Jessica and Danielle Williams, Joseph, Benjamin and Rebecca (Jon Wojcichowski) Stirling, Matthew Williams, Christopher and Derek Foulk, Austin, Emily and Julia Foulk. He also leaves his nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, there are John's two sisters, Norma (Harry) Edwards and Nancy (Larry) Comfort. John is predeceased by his sisters, Pat McLaughlin, Jeanne Edwards and Phyllis Kellogg. Finally, he leaves behind too many friends to mention. A Memorial Service to be held at Riverside Church on Monday, June 16, 2008, at Riverside Methodist Church at 12 p.m., presided over by Pastor Gail Wilson. A graveside Military Ceremony with Full Honors will be held at the Woodlawn National Cemetery following the Memorial. John graduated from Southside High School and Carpenter Apprentice School. He joined the United States Navy and served his country in the Korean War as a Pilot of Landing Craft #25. His Craft was shot out from under him on three separate occasions. He was assigned to the ship, the USS Montrose APA 212. After the war, he followed his carpentry skills, which grew with the years. He became a skillful craftsman and had an extensive knowledge about construction. He was employed with Jerry Edwards and Son for many years. He later formed the Williams Construction Company. John was involved in many construction and remodeling projects in the area, he was the volunteer construction supervisor of the Elmira Civil War Monument. He was a very active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, serving on the Board of Directors and as a Construction Supervisor for many Habitat rehabilitation and new buildings. John was a lifelong member of the Riverside United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher and Counselor for God and County. He was Head Usher and Trustee Chairman for 17 years. He donated his time to maintenance, remodeling and building at the church throughout the years. He was a popular Scoutmaster of Troop 21 at Riverside for 16 years and also a scout leader instructor for five years. He was coordinator of Sullivan Trail Buildings and Grounds Committee. He was a Camp Seneca "Beezer" and headed up the "Beezers" in rebuilding Camp Seneca from 1973 - 1990. He was the recipient of many scouting awards, among them were the Silver Bar, Silver Beaver, Methodist Cross and Flame, Indian Water District Award of Merit, and the prestigious AFL-CIO George Meany Award. He was community service oriented and among several awards received were Chemung County Chamber of Commerce Community Builder Award. He was awarded the Edward Kelly Life Saving Award for successful life saving efforts in a house fire. This wasn't John's first life saving effort though, as he once saved a woman about to jump off Madison St. Bridge. In 1988, he founded the Riverside Food Pantry after seeing people struggling to meet their basic needs. Further, he was a pat president of Chemung County Coalition of Food Pantries. John also, until recently, had been volunteering for Senior Nutrition Site at Riverside. Memorials in John's name can be directed toward Riverside Church Roof Fund or Riverside Church Food Pantry, c/o Riverside Church, 559 Spaulding St., Elmira, NY 14904; or to the Chemung County Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 3110, Elmira, NY 14905. The family of John Williams wishes to thank Dr. Robert Lambert, Dr. William Muuse and their staffs; also the Radiation Oncology Department staffs; and Dr. Kruger and Dr. Byland for their great concern, compassion and expertise. Our thanks also for the kind and compassionate treatment by the Southern Tier Hospice during John's final hours. Also, to all the friends who have sent cards, brought food, said prayers and did general kind acts, we appreciate all of you. Thank you. The John Williams Family "A Candle of Remembrance" may be left for the family in Obituaries at www.olthof.com.