Jack Williams, Jr.

Jack Williams was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 1, 1947, the oldest of four children born to the union of Jack and Rosemary Williams. Both his parents and brother, Lawrence Williams, preceded him in death.

From his earliest years, Jack’s life was anchored by family—a love that would become the defining center of everything he did. In 1972, Jack married the love of his life, Christine Mitchell. Together they built a home filled with joy, laughter, and unwavering support. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Jaclyn, who were the pride of Jack’s life. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his family—playing board games, hosting family reunions, and bringing together his siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jack cherished every moment spent with those he loved, and he created a home where everyone felt welcomed, valued, and embraced.

Jack received his primary education at Riddick and Scullin Elementary Schools and his secondary education at Northwest High School. After graduation, he attended Rankin Trade School, breaking barriers as one of the first African Americans admitted. Although he earned his welding certification from Rankin, the racial inequities he encountered finding jobs within St. Louis’ unions inspired him to pursue a different path—one rooted in education, opportunity, and service.

He enrolled at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, earning his bachelor’s degree in education in 1970. While at Lincoln, Jack became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and served as Basileus of the Eta Sigma Chapter. His service to Eta Sigma at Lincoln shaped Jack’s love for his fraternity that lasted throughout his life.

Jack’s time at Lincoln also ignited a lifelong passion for learning and teaching, shaping his mission to uplift others through education, mentorship, and compassion. He began his career with the Saint Louis Public School District as a 7th grade teacher before becoming Assistant Principal at Kirkwood North Middle School. During this time, he continued his own academic journey, earning both a Master of Arts and a PhD from Saint Louis University. He later joined the Ritenour School District, serving as principal at both elementary and middle schools, and ultimately retiring as Associate Superintendent in 2012. Even in retirement, Jack continued to educate, teaching master’s and doctoral students at Maryville University until 2023.

Jack’s dedication to helping others extended far beyond the classroom. He mentored countless students, colleagues, neighbors, and young people who crossed his path. In his younger years, he coached little league baseball. Later, in his Chesterfield neighborhood, he and Christine became a support system for students bused into the District—attending their games, cheering them on, and opening their home as a safe haven. Over time, the Williams home became a gathering place for all of Jack’s students, regardless of their zip code. Jack created spaces—in his home, his schools, and his heart—where everyone felt safe, seen, and supported.

Outside of his devotion to family and service as an educator, Jack found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an enthusiastic golfer and an avid reader, happiest with a golf club in his hand or a good book nearby. He leaves to cherish these memories his dear wife of 53 years, Christine; his daughters, Jennifer and Jaclyn; his grandson, Kingston; his brother, Kenneth Williams (Rita) of St. Petersburg, Florida; nephew Kenny Williams of Tampa, Florida; his sister, Bernadette Brinkley of St. Louis, Missouri; nephew Andre Brinkley, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were forever enriched by his loving presence.

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