Born in 1936, Jake Williams recently turned 85 and continues to work as an auctioneer at Southern Plains Livestock Auction in Blackwell, Oklahoma.

Williams used to go to sales back in the 40’s with his father, got his real start in the 50’s, and sold at six different sale locations for over 40 years. He’s also been at Southern Plains Livestock Auction since they first opened as a community sale barn.

Williams primarily auctions cattle, but has also done farm sales and has helped out at Osage and Kay County stock shows for years.

Williams has no formal training and instead picked up all his skills from on the job training.

“[I am] very fortunate to work for some good operators,” said Williams. “As long as you do your job and do it right, you’ll have no troubles.”

Williams had worked for Gary Potter and now for Lance Cochran, Cochran wanting Williams to sell cattle.

“Jack Williams can sell cattle for me any day of the week. There’s not two like him. They broke the mold when they made him and it’s too bad,” said Lance Cochran, owner of Southern Plains Livestock Auction. “Great guy, great mentor. If you ever want to be told a really good story you ask Jake. Best of the best.”

Jake has three children, a son who has followed in his father’s footsteps as an auc tioneer in Winfield, Kansas, and two daughters who are involved in rodeo. His son was also a steer roper and Williams himself used to ride bulls when he was younger.

Williams lives within five miles of where he was born, east of Ponca City. Williams is still very involved in auc tioneering and his favorite aspect of the job is the people and helping the community.

“If you believe in yourself and the good lord, you’ll make it,” said Williams. “Sometimes you don’t think you will but something comes along.”