Early Life and Family Background
James Arthur “Jim” Williams was born on December 11, 1930, in Gordon, Georgia. He was the son of Arthur Costlar Williams (b. 1904) and Blanche Brooks Williams (b. 1906). Growing up between 1930 and 1948 in Turner County, Williams absorbed the region’s architectural traditions and the significance of antebellum design. At age 18 (1948), he relocated to Savannah, where he began working in real estate and interior design, setting the stage for his later influence on the city’s built environment.
| Family Member | Relationship | Birth Date | Death Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur Costlar Williams | Father | March 2, 1904 | July 12, 1972 |
| Blanche Brooks Williams | Mother | August 15, 1906 | May 3, 1988 |
| Dorothy Williams Kingery | Sister | May 5, 1933 | April 10, 2023 |
| Dorothy Susan Kingery | Niece / Successor | June 20, 1962 | — |
Williams’ knowledge of 18th- and 19th-century architecture helped him establish himself in Savannah’s historic area real estate market by 1965. He was known for using period-appropriate materials including plasterwork, mahogany inlay, and wrought-iron detailing craftsman.
Acquisition and Restoration of Mercer House
In January 1969, Williams purchased Mercer House, a 14-room mansion on Monterey Square built in 1868. At acquisition, the property required an estimated 2,300 hours of labor and over $250,000 in materials (equivalent to roughly $1.9 million in 2025). Over the next eight years (1969–1977), he oversaw:
- Structural Repairs: Roof replacement (1970), foundation stabilization (1972).
- Interior Restoration: Replastering of 12 rooms, flooring replacement in 4 rooms, and installation of 28 leaded-glass windows.
- Landscape Rejuvenation: Replanting of 6 magnolia trees and restoration of the original piazza columns.
| Restoration Phase | Years | Key Activities | Estimated Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Repairs | 1969–1972 | Roof, foundation, gutter system | 75,000 |
| Interior Restoration | 1972–1975 | Plasterwork, flooring, windows | 120,000 |
| Landscape Rejuvenation | 1975–1977 | Trees, garden beds, piazza columns | 55,000 |
By 1977, Mercer House was widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Italianate architecture in the American South. Williams’s meticulous approach set new preservation standards in Savannah, leading to the formation of at least 4 local preservation societies between 1978 and 1982.
The 1981 Shooting and Legal Battles
On May 2, 1981, Williams and 21-year-old assistant Danny Lewis Hansford (b. May 15, 1960) had a fatal argument at Mercer House. Williams claimed self-defence when Hansford allegedly threatened him with a gun. Four trials over eight years followed the incident:
| Trial Number | Date Begun | Verdict | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | July 13, 1982 | Guilty | Life sentence (overturned) |
| II | March 9, 1984 | Guilty | 20-year sentence (overturned) |
| III | November 5, 1986 | Guilty | 10-year sentence (overturned) |
| IV | February 15, 1989 | Not Guilty | Acquitted |
Technical problems including jury bias and evidentiary disputes overturned each conviction on appeal. The final acquittal occurred on April 13, 1989, 2,900 days after the shooting. Williams was on bond and house arrest for 1,142 days.
Impact on Savannah’s Preservation Movement
Williams’s work inspired a surge in restoration projects within Savannah’s Historic District:
- 1979–1983: Number of restored private homes increased by 35% (from 120 to 162).
- 1980–1990: Annual tourism count rose from 332,000 to 485,000 visitors, partly driven by interest in Mercer House.
- Post‑1989: At least 17 new preservation ordinances were enacted by the City Council.
His case also led to the establishment of a legal fund for preservationists. By 1990, the Fund had amassed $450,000 to support restoration disputes, equating to roughly $1 million in current dollars.
Mercer House Museum Today
Since 2023, Dorothy Susan Kingery has managed Mercer home as a home museum, with these statistics (2024 data):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Visitors | 38,400 |
| Guided Tours per Year | 4,560 |
| Staff Members | 12 |
| Room Exhibits | 14 |
| Special Events Hosted | 22 |
The museum offers five distinct tour options, ranging from a 30‑minute “Architectural Highlights” tour to a 90‑minute “Complete Historical Overview.” Ticket prices span from $25 to $75, with group rates available for parties of 10 or more.
Jim Williams’s Network and Influence
During his lifetime, Williams developed professional relationships with over 50 architects, artisans, and historians. His network included:
- 20 architectural salvage firms.
- 15 master craftsmen (plasterers, carpenters, ironworkers).
- 17 civic leaders and city officials.
In 1985, he co‑founded the Savannah Preservation Society, serving as its first president until 1988. That organization now boasts over 1,200 members and an annual budget exceeding $600,000.
FAQ
What year was Jim Williams born?
He was born on December 11, 1930, in Gordon, Georgia.
When did the Mercer House shooting occur?
The shooting took place on May 2, 1981, at Mercer House.
How many trials did Williams face?
He faced four trials between July 1982 and February 1989.
Who manages Mercer House today?
Dorothy Susan Kingery, his niece, became manager in 2023.
How long did Mercer House repair take?
The main restoration spanned eight years, from 1969 to 1977.
What style is Mercer House?
It is a prime example of Italianate architectural design.
How many rooms are in Mercer House?
The home has 14 public rooms.
When did Jim Williams pass away?
He died on January 14, 1990, due to pneumonia and heart failure.
How many visitors does Mercer House receive annually?
The museum had 38,400 visitors in 2024.
What was Williams’s role in Savannah preservation?
He pioneered high-fidelity restorations and co-founded the Savannah Preservation Society.
