Jim Carazini Williams

Mr. Jim 'Carazini' Williams, 86 of Middlesboro, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2011 at Tri-State Nursing Home in Harrogate, TN. He was born May 23, 1924 a son of the late Rev. John and Patsy Buell Williams. Jim Tom Williams better known as the 'Great Carazini' perfected his own magic act which took him full circle from his hometown in Pineville, Kentucky to almost every country in the world including Mexico, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and finally back to Bell County where he lived in Middlesboro. He performed for 10 years at the world-renowned Crazy Horse Night Club in Paris, France to sell out crowds. In 1969 Jim 'Carazini' won the ?Best Comedy Magician? at the Magicians Academy Awards Banquet. The first time Carazini performed the famous cigarette trick professionally was in 1942 while in the Army during World War II. Although Jim performed many styles of magic his favorite magic was sleight of hand. Carazini had performed his act on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Glen Campbell Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Bob Hope show and many others. Jim was a World War II Veteran who volunteered to serve his county during World War II. He loved life and had a great respect for God, nature and other people especially those whom he felt were down on their luck. He often gave freely to his friends. Jim spent his life performing magical comedy and making the world a better place to live through laughter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Cammie, Woodrow and Kelly Williams; sisters, Katherine Martin and Mary Ada Williams. Left to mourn his passing are his sons, Wayne Wright Williams, of California and Mark Anthony Williams, of Middlesboro; brothers, Andy (Mary) Williams, of Pineville and Avil Williams, of Harrogate; sisters, Martha Beggs, of Harrogate, Etta Williams, of Harrogate and Barbara (Mike) Hoskins, of Pineville and a host of many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.