John Williams ~ Class of 1972
Arrived ~ 2/2/1953
Departed ~ 5/13/2026
Lovingly reported by: Esther Williams Kalbfleisch
John Williams Obituary
February 2, 1953 ~ May 13, 2026 (age 73)
JERSEYVILLE – John Walter Williams, 73, a longtime resident of Jerseyville, Illinois, passed away on May 13, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was a warm, thoughtful, and deeply engaged husband, brother, uncle, educator, community leader, and friend whose presence will be profoundly missed.
A son of Lt. Col. Winfield Scott Williams and Priscilla Ives Williams, John was born in Germany and grew up in a military family where he developed a great love of travel and a deep respect for diverse cultures. During his youth, he lived in Virginia; New Delhi, India; California; and Bangkok, Thailand.
John spent his high school years in Bangkok, where he graduated from the International School of Bangkok. There, he was involved in student government and the Honor Society. He was active in Scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. John went on to graduate from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, and later earned a Juris Doctor from George Washington University.
His first job was as an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, grounding his career in a strong commitment to justice, civil rights, and service. John returned to Principia College in 1983, where he dedicated more than 40 years as a professor of mass communication and political science, shaping generations of
students. Known for both his intellectual rigor and his sense of humor, John took a personal and genuine interest in his students, ensuring that each felt seen and heard, valued, and supported. Grounded in a global perspective with a commitment to character education, he encouraged students to think critically, engage meaningfully in civic life, and lead with integrity and moral courage.
After serving as Interim President of Principia College in 2019, John was appointed College President, a position he held through 2023 before returning to the classroom and the students he cared so deeply about. As President, John’s leadership was characterized by a firm commitment to community, transparency, and moral and spiritual grounding, guiding the College through a period of transition and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His influence extended well beyond the classroom, including directing numerous study abroad programs across Asia. John held a variety of leadership roles, including multiple terms as President of the Faculty Senate, chair of the Political Science Department, and prominent positions across several academic initiatives. He was also adjunct faculty in Washington University’s graduate program in international affairs and served as president of the Illinois Political Science Association.
John was recognized with Principia’s inaugural Horace Edwin Harper Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013. Earlier this year, he was named the 2026 David K. Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, honoring Principia alumni who have rendered outstanding service to others. Following his passing, Principia’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to confer upon him the title of Professor Emeritus of Political Science.
Deeply committed to his faith and community, John was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Jerseyville. He was also a recognized regional leader, including serving as president and board member of the Great Rivers Land Trust.
All who knew John Williams as an educator, leader, mentor, and friend carry a lasting blessing from his dedication, insight, and love for the River Bend community.
In addition to his beloved wife, Missy Williams of Jerseyville, he is survived by his siblings, Dennis R. Williams and Esther Ives Williams Kalbfleisch (Leon); his sister-in- law, Patricia Williams, widow of Winfield Williams Jr.; his four nieces and their families, Sunny Brockett-Williams (Heather), Michele Tolentino (Dominic), Melisa Gourley (Justin), and Holly Wilson; and his nephew, Charles Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mackenzie Lewis Williams and Winfield Scott Williams Jr.; and his first wife, Judy Blackburn Williams.
The family is honoring John’s wishes, and no public services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Great Rivers Land Trust (greatriverslandtrust.org) or Principia (principiagiving.org).
“The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)
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