News

Home / Fallen Spartans / Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams, a Bellefontaine High School graduate and one of the most talented athletes in Logan County history, passed away Sunday.

Williams, a star running back at Bellefontaine who went on to play at Michigan State, had been battling lung cancer.

A 1969 BHS graduate, Williams was a multi-sport star for the Chiefs. He was especially dynamic on the football field.

A four-year varsity standout at running back, he drew the attention of big-time college coaches including Ohio State’s Woody Hayes and Michigan State’s Duffy Daugherty.

As a junior, Williams helped BHS to a 9-0-1 record and he sparked the Chiefs to a mark of 8-1-1 in his senior campaign.

In his final game as a Chieftain in the fall of 1968, Williams rushed for 290 yards and five touchdowns in a win over Springfield Local.

He ended up accepting a football scholarship to MSU along with high school teammate and close friend Gail Clark.

A knee injury curtailed Williams’ football career at Michigan State, but he went on to earn a master’s degree in criminal justice .

After college graduation, he moved to Long Beach, Calif., and began a career as a claims adjuster. He would eventually move to the state of Washington, where in 1989 he founded Classic Claims Service, believed to be the first minority owned claims adjusting firm in the state.

For more information please CLICK HERE.

Recent News

Ron Saul (1948-2021)

● August 13, 2021
Former Michigan State All-American Ron Saul has passed away at the age of 73 (1948-2021). A three-year letterwinner under Coach Duffy Daugherty from 1967-69, Saul also earned first...
Read More

Robert Ricucci Sr 1938-2021

● August 13, 2021
It is with great sadness that the Ricucci Family announces the passing of one of its patriarchs, Robert Ricucci Sr. Born in New York City, Bob grew up in Chicago, and joined the M...
Read More

ONE IN A MILLION: KERMIT SMITH AND THE RON LEFLORE STORY

● February 02, 2021
BY: GERALD STERNBERG It was an unusually warm night in May of 1977 when my friend and I walked out of Tiger Stadium following a tough loss to the Yankees.  Instead of heading b...
Read More

Are You a Spartan Dawg?

Join today to connect with fellow Spartan Football Alumni, support your fellow players and continue the traditions of the program.

Join Now