Jim Williams, better known to a generation of circus fans as Happy the Clown, died Sunday in Baraboo.
During his 30 years at Circus World Museum, Williams became the grinning face of the historic site. He was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1995.
“Jimmy was a dedicated career clown who managed to create lasting memories for generations of local Baraboo residents as well as guests worldwide visiting our community,” said Greg DeSanto, the Hall of Fame’s executive director.
Williams was born in 1943 in Milwaukee. He was working as a clown at Mayfair Mall when he was befriended by Circus World wagon master Ernest Zimmerly, who introduced him to Chappie Fox. Williams came to Circus World in the early 1960s, then traveled with the Kelly Miller and Cole Brothers circuses.
He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic/ambulance driver, but returned to Circus World in 1967. Williams remained at the museum, eventually becoming its display director, until his retirement.
Williams supported up-and-coming clowns like Jed Crouse, a Baraboo pastor who moonlights as Presto the Clown.
“Happy was willing to take me under his wing and invest in me with not only props and memorabilia, but he also blessed me with his vast wisdom and generous encouragement,” Crouse said.