James Carey Williams is the second child of Hubert E. Williams and Beatrice (Black) Williams. Jim was born June 15, 1940. He graduated from Walnut Ridge High School, then from Williams Baptist College, and went on to earn a B. A. in Music from Ouachita Baptist University. Jim subsequently earned an M. Ed. from the University of Missouri in School Administration.

Jim has served as a music teacher, elementary school principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. He has served several Baptist Churches in the capacity of Minister of Education. He is currently Principal of Patterson Elementary School in Fordyce, Arkansas.

Jim married Pamela Ann White August 26, 1962. Pamela is an elementary school teacher in Fordyce, Arkansas. Their children are Carrie Ann (Williams) Sharp, born July 5, 1963, and Timothy Scott Williams, born August 31, 1966.