The City of West Hollywood City Council adjourned in memory of veterinarian cardiologist Dr Jaxon Cat Williams. Mayor Sepi Shyne also presented Dr Williams with a posthumous Key to the City. Trans activist Chaz Bono accepted the Key on behalf of his best friend who had planned to accept the key in person.
Dr Jackson Cat Williams grew up in Southern Mississippi and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University in 1997. Upon graduation, Dr Williams moved to Los Angeles to complete five years of post-doctorate specialty training in internal medicine in cardiology. Following postdoctoral training, he completed special examinations to become a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary of Specialty Cardiology, becoming one of only 150 veterinary cardiologists in the world at that time.
Dr Williams was driven by his love of animals, people and medicine. He strongly believed that animals tell us much more of than we think if we just pay attention.
Even as a child Dr Williams had a keen sense of what animals were thinking and needed and established special bonds with every creature he encountered. He applied this intuition to his practice where he maintained the highest quality of life for his patients and their families for as long as possible. His clients reported being constantly amazed at how long pets can live with heart disease if managed properly.
He leaves behind supportive family members, a huge community of friends and chosen family, including his father Jack Williams, his mother Martha Willis and his sister Cecilia.
Mayor Shyne extended her sincerest condolences to his family and friends. “Dr Jaxon Cat Williams will truly be missed,” she said. “He leaves behind a legacy that has touched so many lives in the veterinary community, the LGBTQ community, West Hollywood community and those graciously are battling an illness. During his battle with cancer, he bravely shared his journey to spread awareness and positivity even during the hardest of times, showing us all what true strength looks like.”
Chaz Bono was Jaxon’s best friend. Accepted the key on his behalf and mentioned from the podium that Jaxon was excited to be getting a key to the city of West Hollywood. “We had planned to come with him,” said Bono. “This was not how this was supposed to go. Jaxon was supposed to be here. He was supposed to be up here talking right now. He was supposed receive this and we were going to clap from the audience for him. I’m very, very sad that that’s not what was able to take place. He was an amazing human being. He was giving and loving and brave. He’s the bravest person I ever met. His fight was heroic… he will be forever missed.
