Joseph Williams Obituary

Williams, Joseph M. passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 22, 2008 at his home in South Haven, MI. Born on August 18, 1933 in Cleveland, OH, he was 74. A long-time resident of Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, he is survived by his wife, Joan Steck (nee Paddock); his children Joseph (Christine) Williams, Megan (Phil) Beckert, Christopher Williams, Dave (Patty) Steck, and Oliver (Michele) Steck; his grandchildren, Katherine and Nicholas Williams, Lily and Calvin Beckert, Owen and Matilde Steck, and Eleanor Steck. He is also survived by his first wife Carol Williams (nee Traynor), his brother James (Jackie) Williams, and his nieces and nephews. Williams was Professor Emeritus of English and Linguistics at the University of Chicago. He taught there from 1965 until he retired in 1999. One of his many services to the University was to shape its undergraduate academic writing program. Along with Gregory Colomb and Francis Kinahan, he created the internationally recognized approach to writing instruction known as "The Little Red Schoolhouse". A renowned linguist and writing specialist, Williams authored numerous books and articles on the history and craft of writing. His most influential book, Style: Lessons In Clarity and Grace, recently celebrated its 10th edition and is used in universities and colleges throughout the world. In 1980, Williams was a founding partner of Clearlines, a communications consulting firm that served law firms, government agencies, professional organizations, academic institutions, foundations, and corporations worldwide. Williams received considerable recognition and many awards throughout his career including the University of Chicago's Quantrell Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1987 and the recent Golden Pen Award in 2006 for lifetime contributions to legal writing from The Institute of Legal Writing. As a resident of South Haven, MI, he recently became Casco Township Parks Commissioner. He was eminently respected by his colleagues and dearly loved by his friends and family. He will be greatly missed. Donations may be made in his name to The Great Lakes Maritime Museum in South Haven, Michigan or The American Heart Association. Memorial Service to be held Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at 3 p.m. at The First Unitarian Church of Chicago, 5650 S. Woodlawn, Chicago. Reception to follow.