John Porter Williams

John Porter Williams, Jr., better known as "Willie", left this earth and is now at peace with his parents. John was the first of four children born to Porter and Jane Williams in Springfield, Illinois. A 1980 graduate of Urbandale High School who posted average grades with no effort, he excelled at making people laugh and at charming teachers and female classmates. Possessing superior athletic ability for a skinny 165-pound runt, he made a name for himself on the football field, baseball diamond and hockey rink earning all-State and all-Conference honors. He tried track and field earlier in high school and retired undefeated after one track meet with the winning vault, quitting after realizing he was afraid of heights. Willie loved most of his classmates, friends, and people of his hometown and if you weren't one of the ones he liked, you knew about it and usually gave him a wide berth. John loved living and 25 years ago was given a second chance at life after winning an extended battle with cancer that was originally prescribed as a death sentence with a zero percent chance of survival. He won that fight, along with countless others with people who didn't know any better, and m...[more]

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the most of every day in the fields of Iowa chasing deer, turkey and pheasants. It would be safe to say that Willie killed more birds than Colonel Sanders and possessed more racks than the local Hooters. But most of all John loved and adored his son, Porter Alex Williams. His eyes would light up every time he had a chance to talk about his boy and his pride in him was immeasurable. But in late 2018, Porter Alex lost favored status and was moved to second place when John first laid eyes on his granddaughter, Elle Jo. She and her dad brought joy and peace to John's life until the end. Willie is survived by his son, Porter Alex, and granddaughter, Elle Jo, both of Powersville, Missouri; his stepmother, Beverly Williams of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida; two sisters, Becky (James) Seyb of Fountain Hills, Arizona and Leigh Williams of Des Moines. He is also survived by his brother, Scott who idolized his brother but can't tell you any good reason why. John leaves behind many friends, but notably, three men that fit the description of a "Best Friend" in every way; Richie Eick, Cliff Gardiner and Mark DePhillips, who were there until the very end. In lieu of flowers or contributions, just be a tad bit nicer to people and help somebody less fortunate. Be kind and stick up for someone who needs somebody to fight for them. That's what Willie would want because that was how he lived his life. Like his father he didn't tolerate bullies. Most of all, thank you for being his friend. Peace. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa. A memorial service will follow beginning at 5:30 PM. A reception to honor John will be immediately following services at the Cottontail Lounge, 3700 Dennis Drive, Urbandale, Iowa Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of John Williams Jr., please visit our Tribute Store. To read the full obituary, please click here: https://www.ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituary/John-Porter-Willie-Williams-Jr./Urbandale-Iowa/1868898