Jenkin "JV" Vaughn Williams

Jenkin Vaughn “JV” Williams, 79, of Naples, Florida, passed away on August 29, 2025.

He was born on October 19, 1946, in Shelley, Idaho, to Ellis L. and Mae C. Williams. JV graduated from Firth High School in Firth, Idaho, before attending Brigham Young University for two and a half years and later studying at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 Alongside his partner of 52 years, William (Bill) Baulkie, JV created and ran American Nursing Review, building a respected resource that supported nursing education nationwide. Together, JV and Bill made homes in San Francisco, New Jersey, and Florida, creating a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting friendships. JV was active in his community as a member of the Naples Fly Fishing Club, the Nature Conservancy, and Naples Theatrical, where he shared his enthusiasm for the arts and the natural world. 

JV was an exceptional man, known for his sharp sense of style and ever-present care for his appearance — and his remarkable head of hair, which everyone admired as simply part of what made him so effortlessly cool. He had a lifelong love of fly fishing, a passion he shared for more than 40 years with his brother Chad, his dear friend Ken Curtis, and many other close friends in Florida, Idaho, Montana, and beyond. He found joy in the cast of a line, the beauty of the water, and the camaraderie of fellow anglers. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Mae Williams; his siblings, Rene (and her husband Elzo White), Del Rick, and Shauna; and his partner of 52 years, William (Bill) Baulkie. JV is survived by his brother Chad and Chad’s partner, Audra Burgener, along with many dear friends and extended family who will cherish his memory. 

Never one to sugarcoat the truth, JV met life with a quick tongue, a fisherman’s patience, and a zest for the finer things in life. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in both Florida and Idaho at later dates.

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