Rest in Peace, Dear J.D.
We got word about an hour ago that our dear friend and political and professional mentor, J.D. Williams, died last night at his home in Holladay, Utah. He had been fighting cancer for more than a year.
J.D.’s lovely wife and lifelong love, Bea, called Ted to deliver the news. J.D. was 81 and died peacefully with family nearby.
It’s the end of an era, for sure.
I took an introductory political science class from J.D. (everyone called John Daniel Williams by his initials) in 1979. P.S. 110 was held in a huge classroom, with desks arranged row upon row of semi-circles. He had a seating chart, but knew our names in less than a week.
I’m having trouble writing this. Ted and I knew J.D.’s life was coming to a close, we had spoken to him just a few weeks ago. But knowing what is coming never makes the end any easier.
J.D. inspired thousands of college students at the University of Utah (and Stanford and Harvard, too) to plant their feet in democracy. His was a roll up your sleeves approach to living in this great country. He taught practical politics with an emphasis on ethics. He once said of his former student, Karl Rove, that Karl got the politics education right, but he had missed out on the ethics.
On the personal side, J.D. and Bea took Ted and I to dinner on the eve of our wedding three years ago. It was a lovely June evening in Millcreek Canyon and we dined at Log Haven. They kept telling us what a treat it was seeing the two of us together. J.D.’s blue eyes sparkled. He loved sweets; especially rich desserts. That night we four shared creme brulee and dense chocolate cake.
In days to come people will be eulogizing J.D. in much more refined ways than I can. I’ve lost a committed teacher and friend. The country has lost a true patriot. This nearly one-party state has lost a liberal firebrand who helped keep it honest.
I’m deeply saddened by this loss but grateful beyond words for the time I had with this man. I love J.D. Williams.
September 4th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Though I’m managing Keith Christensen’s campaign for mayor, and though campaign season is in full-on hectic mode, I thought I should take just a moment out of the day to remember JD Williams.
JD Williams was a good man. I only had the chance to hear him lecture about a half dozen times at the U of U, but it was always entertaining and enlightening. He always had such a unique view into Utah politics, and was so passionate about ethics. Thanks to Ted Wilson for having him in to class on a few occassions.
Though I am as much a conservative as JD was a liberal, I admired him greatly. He actually worked with my grandfather, Neal Maxwell, at the U. They enjoyed one another’s company very much. It’s sad to know cancer claimed them both. I’m sure JD and Neal are enjoying renewing their discussions about Utah politics even as I write.
God bless, and rest in peace, JD.
September 4th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
My condolences to you and Ted.
The thought manifests as the word.
The word manifests as the deed.
The deed develops into habit.
And the habit hardens into character.
So watch the thought and its ways with care.
And let it spring from love,
born out of concern for all beings.
Buddha
September 5th, 2007 at 8:36 am
My only exposure to JD Williams was a class during spring quarter 1963. Heady times…JFK, Camelot, the world was young !
I do remember suggesting that Utah as a theocracy should revert to territorial status. This brought boos from the RMs and a tolerant smile from Dr.Williams.
September 5th, 2007 at 11:30 am
I once had the privilege of serving on a committee of which J.D. Williams was also a member. We were addressing an extremely controversial issue and there was some tension.
J.D., of course, was the big name personality at the table. I was, and still am, nobody. But, it was he who humbly went around the room, graciously waiting upon all those who were in attendance, bringing us refreshments, etc. His kindness, generosity, and humility remain an inspiration to me.
His combination of intellect and civility were and are rare. Our world is poorer with his passing. I loved him, and I will miss him.
September 9th, 2007 at 10:12 am
H,
I thought your City Weekly piece on J.D. was very well done, as is above.
On a different note, WOW, the Trib today really unloaded a double barreled shotgun on Jenny. First there were two carefully worded letters to the editor that compared and contrasted Jenny and Becker, and came down solidly behind Becker. The consensus of the letters (and Walsh’s column) were the same: Jenny is not ready for prime time and is simply riding dad’s coattails. As if to say: “”Stay in the kitchen (or at least county council) until you have grown up, Jenny!!”"”
But the coup de grace was the piece by Rocky on his version of events surrounding the “childgate” conversation in which he denigrated Jenny’s ability to be mayor because she had young children. Regardless of the chain of command of facts in that story, the fact Rocky (and the Trib) ran that Op Ed at this time in the election cycle is amazing. What a chop block from hiz honor. But the trib is complicit as well: is this a little retribution against you for leaving the paper? Inquiring minds want to know.
Regardless the polls have put Jenny on the defensive and these orchestrations are meant to put her on the ropes, and let Becker squeak through gates. Very interesting. Was this in Rocky’s head when he endorsed the republican, err, independent, Christensen long ago knowing a Rocky endorsement might sink a Becker but would not hurt Christensen who didn’t have a prayer to get elected anyway? What would a Becker/Wilson runoff be like?
Fun and games in the capital city.
September 9th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I thought Rocky’s piece was disingenous to say the least. I said it before and I’ll say it again. A 40 year old professional person has the right to say and determine whether or not he or she can raise small children and have a demanding job.
If Jenny says she can do it, she can. ‘Nuff said.
September 9th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I can’t believe I’m going to write this: Just because Rocky says it, doesn’t mean it’s not true.
It doesn’t seem a big stretch to say, “Big city mayor. CEO. At least one parent engaged with the kids. Choose two.” On the other hand, I’m not competent, organized, or driven enough to run for mayor, so who am I to say anything…
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