James M. Williams
James M. Williams
On Nov. 15, 2015 James M. Williams "Happy the Clown" beloved father, friend and Circus personality journeyed to his heavenly home at St. Clare Meadows Care Center!Happy, son of William W. and Florence H. (Walther) Williams was born Dec. 19, 1943 in Milwaukee. He attended Boys Tech in Milwaukee and worked as a cabinet maker while in school. After school he worked at Mayfair shopping center in Milwaukee as a clown where he was befriended by Ernest Zimmerly and was introduced to Chappie Fox. Chappie then brought him to Baraboo in 1960 and introduced him to Circus World Museum. He traveled with Kelly Miller and Cole Brothers Circus. Happy entertained families at Circus World from 1961 until 1964 at which time he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a medic/ambulance driver. In 1972 he became the Display Director at Circus World. After being honorably discharged Happy continued to entertain crowds at Circus World from 1967 until his retirement over 30 years later. In 1995 he was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in Baraboo. Survivors include his daughter, Angela (Paul) Williams; their children, Heather Mayo, Alli (Ben) Zimmerly, Parker Zimmerly Olson, Brittany (Kyle) Bowman; daughter, Lynn (John) Fliess; their children, Haley, Johnny, and Marie Fliess; great-grandchildren, Nalana, Jameson, Killian, Ayden, and Temprance. He is further survived by other relatives, family in Milwaukee and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanette Arlene Polak; brothers, John R. Williams, William W. Williams; and his beloved family dog and entertainer, Tuffy.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Redlin Funeral Home with Pastor Jed Crouse officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 at the funeral home as well as from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday. There will be a Masonic Service at the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Friday. Military Rites will be conducted by Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Happy's name to Circus World or the Clown Hall of Fame.He will be missed greatly by so many. The family would like to thank everyone, especially St. Clare Meadows for their support during this difficult time.