It is with sadness and broken hearts that we announce the sudden loss of John P. Williams who passed away at his home in North Carolina at St. James Plantation on Wednesday, Dec. 11th.
John is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 47 years. Their two daughters are Amy Williams Webster and Erin Williams Cunnane and her husband Christian. Their two sons are Justin Williams and Jared Williams and his wife Maura. Their three grandchildren are Greyson, Emilia and Devin.
John and Barbara moved to North Carolina from Warwick, New York.
John’s career as president of the landscape architectural firm, MWK, enabled him to display his love of children and nature through his work. His many project designs, including New York City waterfront parks, municipal parks and downtown revitalizations, have been nationally recognized.
At the Dallas, Texas, Arboretum his 2013 landscape design for the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden earned him national honors for his contributions to “the world’s most elaborate and interactive garden for children.” The park and its 150-plus interactive science games now serve as a learning center for the Dallas school system’s students and staff.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 28, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Rutherford, New Jersey, at the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home.
Additionally, a service will be announced for February 2020 in Southport, North Carolina.
It is fitting that John’s genius for designing places that harmonize with nature will be enjoyed by others for many years. May they find his joy and serenity while experiencing the landscape designs that were his life’s work.
In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to the New York Botanical Gardens: http://nybg.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=donate_today