Santa Rosa County on behalf of the Williamson family sadly announces the passing of Commissioner Jim Williamson at his home with his family by his side late last night, April 2. Williamson, 67, was a life-long resident of Santa Rosa County.

  First elected to the Santa Rosa County Board of Commission District 1 office in 1996, he was re-elected without opposition in 2000. Williamson was once again elected by the c

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itizens of Santa Rosa County in 2008 and 2012 to represent District 1. Williamson served as vice chairman of the board in 1997-1998 and 2010-2012 and chairman in 1998-1999 and 2011-2012. He retired on April 1 due to declining health issues and to spend time with his family.

After graduating from Milton High School in 1964, Williamson played four years of professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinal organization. Williamson was a state certified electrical contractor and owned and operated his local business, Williamson Electrical Co., Inc. since 1976. Prior to being elected county commissioner, Williamson was a member of the Milton City Council from 1977 to 1985. Throughout the years, he has been active in youth athletics as a parent, coach and sponsor, and won several awards including the God in Government Award and the Santa Rosa County Chamber Leader of the Year. A devout Christian, he and his wife, Paulette, are members of Immanuel Baptist Church. They have five sons, five daughters-in-law and are proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren.