Physician and Veteran Legacy
WVU Physician and Military Veteran Dr. Harold James Williams Passes Away at 73
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Thomas L. Williams Jr. was a fourth-generation member of a Santa Barbara family ranching lineage. After serving in the U.S. Army and earning a law degree, he founded the California Law Institute, now the Santa Barbara College of Law, where he served as dean and taught law.
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Harold James “Jim” Williams served eight years in the U.S. Navy and four in the U.S. Army, then worked as a pathologist at WVU Medicine’s Ruby Memorial Hospital for 23 years. He also took part in medical mission trips and mentored students.
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Hudson Williams was named a Balenciaga brand ambassador and Friend of the House in 2026, and fronted the brand’s Spring 2026 Heart and Body campaign. His breakout series, “Heated Rivalry,” became HBO Max’s most-watched acquired scripted series, according to the article.
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The Patriots’ pregame program was scheduled to preview the Bills matchup, with host Jack Webb and analysts Paul Perillo, Mike Dussault and Troy Brown. The article also says the team’s radio simulcast would feature play-by-play from Bob Socci and analysis from Scott Zolak, with mobile access restricted to the Patriots’ local market.
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Packers coach Jeff Hafley said Malik Willis’s designed rushing opportunities would be decided “game by game” and used “situationally when we need him to”; the article therefore characterized Willis as a volatile option who remained a QB2.
Dr. Harold James "Jim" Williams, a pathologist who shaped medical education across West Virginia for 23 years, died September 29 at age 73 in Morgantown. WVU School of Medicine honored his legacy as a decorated educator, military veteran, and mentor to hundreds of medical students and residents at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Williams served 12 years in the U.S. Navy and Army before earning his M.D. from the University of Mississippi in 1985. He directed anatomic pathology at WVU from 2003 to 2007, then led educational programs in the department for a decade. Association of Pathology Chairs recognized his national impact in 2023 with the Michele Raible Distinguished Achievement Award.
From Military Service to Medical Leadership
Before joining WVU in 2003, Dr. Williams built a diverse career spanning military medicine and academic pathology. He served as Head of the Laboratory at Naval Hospital Millington in Tennessee. He also directed anatomic pathology at Texas Tech University and surgical pathology at East Carolina University before moving to West Virginia's mountains.
WVU School of Medicine Vice Dean Dr. Norman Ferrari noted that Dr. Williams had "a major impact on pathology education for our MD degree students and the only pathology residency program in the state of West Virginia." His recognition by the Association of Pathology Chairs reflected his influence on national medical curriculum development and resident mentoring.
A Passion for Teaching and Student Development
Dr. Williams became known among colleagues for his famous saying: "If God made anything better than Pathology, He kept it to himself." He directed anatomic pathology from 2003 to 2007 and then served as Vice Chair of Educational Programs from 2007 to 2017, shaping curriculum for West Virginia's only pathology residency program.
Beyond classroom work, Dr. Williams mentored hundreds of medical residents and students across his 23-year tenure. He also served on the Association of Pathology Chairs UMEDS Council for five years, including two years as chair. His dedication to medical education earned him the 2023 Michele Raible Award from the national association.
Community Service and Faith-Centered Life
Beyond his hospital and university roles, Dr. Williams participated in global medical mission trips and maintained deep ties to Calvary Chapel Morgantown. He was a devoted family man, married 18 years with seven children and eleven grandchildren. His personal faith shaped both his professional choices and his volunteer commitments.
A memorial service took place October 4, 2026, at Calvary Chapel Morgantown, following visitation at Hastings Funeral Home. WVU School of Medicine published an official remembrance October 2, honoring his legacy as an educator, mentor, military veteran, and servant to the medical and faith communities of West Virginia.
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