James "Jim" Palmer Williamson

James “Jim” Palmer Williamson, age 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at St. Mark’s Living in Austin. Jim was born on February 9, 1933, in Newry Township, Minnesota, to William and Ida (Guttormson) Williamson. He attended District 135 Magnuson School House. In 1951, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and served our country in the Korean War. At the time of his honorable discharge in 1954, he had earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his time in the service, Jim attended school on the GI Bill for auto mechanics. He worked as an auto mechanic for Sears for many years and then owned and operated D&J Auto in Brownsdale for over 15 years. Jim married Carol Cain; the couple had two children, Terry and Mark, and were later divorced. Jim married Gloria Allas and the couple had one child, Jayne. On September 3, 1976, Jim married Sonja Dahl in Iowa. In addition to his love of working on cars, Jim also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching Westerns – especially Gunsmoke. He was a proud member of the VFW and American Legion. We will love and miss him forever. In the words of Jim, he “never had any fun!”

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sonja of Austin; children, Terry Williamson of Albert Lea, Mark Williamson of Austin, and Jayne Miller of Geneva; second daughter, Michelle (John) Smith of St. Paul Park; eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Mike, Mitch, Nate, Nichole (Eric), Lindsey, Joshua, and Ethan; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Loren Williamson of Cottage Grove; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ida; six sisters; and six brothers. 

The memorial service for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.