Friday services scheduled for Itasca County Deputy

Services are scheduled Friday for an Itasca County Sheriff’s Deputy who died following a battle with COVID-19.

The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the passing of 41-year-old Jayme Williams of Deer River, saying his death was unexpected.

"Deputy Williams was a devoted husband and father, a dedicated public servant and an active community member. Deputy Williams will always be remembered for his kind and fair approach to the community he served as a law enforcement officer. We mourn his passing and send our deepest condolences to his family and partners in law enforcement during this difficult time," the sheriff’s office said in a statement Wednesday.

Williams first fell ill on Dec. 11 and died during surgery on Monday, Dec. 27, according to a GoFundMe page raising money for the Williams family. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $15,000 had been donated to help with funeral costs, bills, and the family’s other needs.

Williams was married and had three children, age 12 to 17.

Williams’ obituary describes him as a family man who loved the outdoors. He had worked for the sheriff’s office for seven years and was also a dispatcher and officer for the Leech Lake Tribal Police for five years, in addition to running a small gun shop out of his house and teaching permit-to-carry classes.

Services are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 31, at the Marcell Community Center. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service at 11.

LINK: GoFundMe page for Williams family