Seal Beach, CA – John (Jack) Williams Jr., 91, who was born on Jan. 19, 1930 in Grand Rapids, MI and was most recently a resident of Seal Beach, CA, died on Saturday (June 19).

John (Jack) Williams, Jr.

Mr. Williams started in Standardbred industry in 1947, grooming horses for his father, famed Michigan horsemen John (Jack) Williams Sr. He graduated from Comstock High School in 1948 where he lettered in baseball and football, and joined the family stable during school vacations then served in the US Army from 1951–1953 at Fort Warden, Washington.

Mr. Williams drove his first race in 1949 and got his first win in 1950 at Wolverine Raceway.  Before opening his own public stable, he furthered the fine background he received from his father, by serving several seasons as second trainer for Joe O’Brien.  In 1952, he married Sally Ann Lashua of Port Townsend, Washington.

In 1963, he won the very first “Battle of Brandywine” with Adora’s Dream.  One of his first major drives was in the 1958 (what became known as the American Pacing Classic) when he was only 28 years young.

Mr. Williams joined the “1,000 Wins” club in 1973.

He broke and raced the Hall of Fame Filly Flying Cloud who finished fifth in a heat of the 1967 Hambletonian. Flying Cloud’s most impressive achievements came later, as a broodmare. In terms of money won by her offspring, she was the leading American trotting broodmare of all time in 1985, with a total approaching $2 million.

He drove South Bend and MacArthur at Hollywood Park. Other top horses that he has driven include Diamond Hal, Czar Volo, Easy Prom, Adora’s Dream, Thor Hanover, Steady Star, Baby Tears, Thor Hanover and Battling Beau.  In 1971, subbing for Gene Riegle, Mr. Williams set a world record of 1:58.2 with the 3-year-old gelding pacer Big Kahuna.  Efforts like this made him a “great” catch-driver.

Mr. Williams not only drove on the California circuit but also attended tracks back in the Midwest and East such as Sportsmans Park, Hawthorne Race Course, Wolverine Raceway, Hazel Park, Brandywine, and The Meadows.

After retiring as a trainer-driver, Mr. Williams became a well-respected Steward in the State of California for the Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter horse racing industries.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his son Ken Williams and is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sally; a son, John Robert Williams, daughters Sally Ann Mestas (Terry Mestas) and Linda Sherren;  a sister, Barbara (Mike Babka), and 4 grandchildren, Frank Sherren Jr., Matt Sherren, Jesse Mestas and Jenny Mestas.

Condolences can be sent to 16222 Monterey Lane #368 – Huntington Beach, CA 92649.