Jimy Williams Obituary – Cause of Death News : “Former Blue Jays Manager Passes Away at 80”

Jimy Williams, a renowned baseball manager who led the Boston Red Sox to their second consecutive playoff appearance in 1999, has passed away at the age of 80. Williams, who also had successful stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros, passed away on Friday at AdventHealth North Pinellas Hospital in Tarpon Springs, Fla., after a brief illness. His death is a significant loss for the baseball community.

A Life Dedicated to Baseball

James Francis Williams, known affectionately as Jimy, was born on October 4, 1943, in Santa Maria, California. He attended Arroyo Grande High School and later graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor’s degree in agri-business in 1964.

Williams’ passion for baseball led him to play for various teams throughout his career. He made his major league debut on April 26, 1966, and had the privilege of facing legendary pitchers such as Sandy Koufax and Juan Marichal. Although his playing career was cut short by a shoulder injury, Williams’ love for the game never diminished.

A Successful Managerial Career

Following his playing days, Williams transitioned into coaching and managing. He began his managerial career with the California Angels, eventually becoming the third base coach for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1980. Williams took over as the Blue Jays’ manager in 1982, leading the team to multiple winning seasons.

Williams’ most notable managerial success came during his time with the Boston Red Sox. He was hired as the team’s manager in 1996 and guided the Red Sox to consecutive 90-win seasons. In 1999, he was voted the American League Manager of the Year after leading the Red Sox to their second straight playoff appearance.

A Cherished Legacy

Throughout his career, Williams faced various challenges and hurdles. He navigated the complexities of managing a team while maintaining harmony within the clubhouse. Williams’ ability to remain calm and composed under pressure was instrumental in his success as a manager.

Off the field, Williams was a loving husband to his wife Peggy for 47 years. He was also a proud father to his sons Shawn and Brady, both of whom pursued careers in baseball. Brady currently serves as the third base coach for the Tampa Bay Rays, while Shawn has a successful background in managing minor league teams.

Jimy Williams leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of baseball. His contributions to the sport will forever be remembered and cherished. As the baseball community mourns his loss, we celebrate the life of a remarkable manager and mentor.