Doris Fuess knew him for years. In Waterville High School everyone knew each other anyway. Jack shared classes with her over the years, even in shorthand. In 1937 they graduated; her valedictorian heading to Syracuse University and him to Hamilton College. They stayed in touch but the significant letter Jack received was one from his uncle. In 1941, he was drafted into the United States Army. Away and missing each other Jack came home on leave in 1943. Was it the urgency of war that compelled them to marry or the competition of another suitor pursuing Doris? No, they wanted to be together. On November 25, 1943, they were married. The honeymoon was brief and Jack was back to duty. This was World War II, the real thing and the probability of not returning to his bride was real.

Jack served as part of the Normandy invasion, landing on Omaha Beach. He also participated in the liberation of France and finally the Battle of the Bulge. Telling of one of his assignments, “We were posted around a Howitzer. Our job was to protect the cannon. A Colonel came up to us and gave the orders to move north. The next day every American on that beach was killed by the Germans! After serving his country, he came home to her Captain Jack Williams.

Doris Williams was now teaching in the tiny school of VanHornsville, New York. Jack started his work on finishing his teaching degree at Cortland State. VanHornsville, later to be known as Owen Young, was a teacher’s paradise. Funded primarily by the namesake, the head of General Electric, this was a modern miracle. Mr. Young was not a sport fan. The gym, which to the founder was an unnecessary frill, was too small for a basketball team. So Bob Woodruff was assigned to start a wrestling team.

At VanHornsville, it was in those days mandatory for teachers to attend all home wrestling meets. Twenty-one year old Doris Williams had no problem with this assignment. Six wrestlers attended her English class. The talk always ended up about wrestling. Now in 1947, the meets were set up by placing the mat down and lining up the folding chairs around the edge of the mat. The wrestlers battled on the mat and often landed on the spectators, including Doris. She laughed saying, “These young men always end up landing on us!” They never seemed to be bothered by the match interruptions. “In those days the wrestlers wore only tights and sneakers. There was not a top on any of them. Their muscles were there to see!” she laughed.

Jack was finished with his teaching credentials. She not only encouraged him to apply at VanHornsville, she also suggested he coach the wrestling team. Bob Woodruff now moving up to principal agreed and Jack now began his teaching and wrestling career. From the battlefield to wrestling contests he had to learn all there was to know about the sport. With no experience he threw himself into it. Doris was always at his side to help. Indeed wrestling became a family affair. His children later helped with meets and tournaments. They worked tables, wrestled, and later Jack Williams, Jr. coached at Liverpool High School.

Jack’s coaching career spanned from VanHornsville to Watertown, and Cicero High School. He served our country and our wrestling community. He is a member of the wrestling Hall of Fame. Over the years the Williams have made many friends and have great memories. We thank Jack for all he has accomplished and Doris for her significant part in all of it.

Wrestling stays with you. Doris and Jack Williams stayed together and now sixty-five years later are still happily married. They have good memories of family and friends in our wrestling community. Thank-you to both for all you have done for us.

Remember, it’s not a game, it’s wrestling!