Dr. J.D. Williams (1926-2007)

Kirk L. Jowers on the Passing of J.D. Williams.

The Hinckley Institute of Politics joins with thousands of former colleagues, students and interns in mourning the passing of Dr. J.D. Williams - the founding director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, serving from 1965 to 1975.  J.D.’s vision and passion gave life to the Hinckley Institute – translating Robert H. Hinckley’s dream of “every student a politician” into reality.  J.D. personally mentored hundreds of students, shepherding them into the political process through internships, forums and his example.  While he was nationally renowned for his extraordinary “Miracle at Philadelphia” presentation, J.D.’s lasting legacy will itself be one of miracles – transforming the best and brightest students at the University of Utah into some of our nation’s most influential and valued public servants.  The political landscape of our state and nation will echo with J.D.’s fervor and zeal for generations as thousands of his students on the left and right fulfill his vision of passionate public service and devotion to our founding constitutional principles.  We will miss J.D. dearly.

Kirk L. Jowers
Director, Hinckley Institute of Politics

Media Coverage

September 27, 2007: "Late U. prof leaves D.C. legacy" by Thomas Burr (Deseret Morning News)..." Williams initiated the U.'s Hinckley Institute of Politics intern program in Washington, D.C., when he led the political science center in the early 1970s and since then more than 2,000 students have had a chance to work in the nation's capital. Students have spent time working at the White House, Congress and U.S. Supreme Court, along with ABC News, various committees, lobbying firms, non-profits and policy think tanks. These opportunities have led many to continue lives in public service and stay involved in politics."

September 6, 2007: "Remembering JD Williams" RadioWestI with Doug Fabrizio (KUER)..."Monday evening, JD Williams died in his Salt Lake City home. Williams, who taught politics at the University of Utah for some 40 years, was mentor to numerous local and national politicians and a passionate example of service to the community. His friend and student Sharlene Linford said he taught everyone the importance of character. For Williams, being a good person was the foundation for being a better citizen. Thursday, we remember JD Williams, and his lasting impact on Utah and the nation."

September 5, 2007: "J.D. Williams: U professor lit up Utah politics" (Salt Lake Tribune)..."As founding director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, he guided countless forums, debates and seminars with local, state and national political figures. He landed internships and opportunities for study abroad for kids from across the political spectrum. Among those interns was Rove."

September 5, 2007: "U. professor a witty voice in Utah politics" by Paul Rolly (Salt Lake Tribune)..."J.D. was the perfect individual to run the institute at its onset," said current Hinckley Institute Director Kirk Jowers. "His activism caused consternation among Republicans and conservatives, but it showed the students that he cared about participating in politics. He was willing to act on his principles rather than merely speak in class. That is the spirit that Mr. Hinckley wanted. If the director was just an academic not willing to fully engage on behalf of principles, candidates and positions, the heart of the institute may have been lost before it ever got started."

September 5, 2007: "University of Utah political professor, mentor J.D. Williams dies' Twila Van Leer (Deseret Morning News)..."From 1965 to 1975, Dr. Williams was director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, providing the "vision and passion" that gave life to the institute, said Kirk L. Jowers, the institute's current director. The institute "joins with thousands of former colleagues, students and interns in mourning the passing" of Dr. Williams, Jowers said. The late professor's "lasting legacy" will be his role in transforming the "best and brightest students at the university into some of the nation's most influential and valued public servants." "The political landscape of our state and nation will echo with J.D.'s fervor and zeal for generations as thousands of his students on the left and right fulfill his vision of passionate public service and devotion to our founding constitutional principles."

September 5, 2007: "J.D. Williams passes away" by Clayton Norlen (Daily Utah Chronicle)..."JD was the perfect choice to lead the Hinckley Institute to maturity," said Kirk Jowers, the current director of the Hinckley Institute. "He was beloved by students, respected by staff and well known in the community for his political activism and ideas."