Jim was born in Mooresville, North Carolina to Joe Vaughan and Mary Ann Brown Williford on March 25, 1960. He married his high school sweetheart, Leslie Mason Saunders Williford, on June 27, 1982. Jim graduated from Hampton Sydney College, earning a degree in Math and Economics, as well as an MBA from East Carolina University. He worked in banking for Wachovia and BB&T for over 30 years and began a post-retirement career with Parker Oil Company in January of 2022.

Jim served on numerous civic, philanthropic and church boards over his life and worked to make a positive impact in the communities where he lived. He was an avid runner and loved water skiing and swimming with his grandkids. He was known by those closest to him for his servant heart and unwavering faith. He was steadfast, calm in chaos, funny and kind hearted. He was a loving husband and father and we miss him more than words can express.