Roma man Jake Williams’ legacy to be carried on in a logo

The family and friends of a beloved Queensland motocross rider have hatched a unique plan to carry on his legacy for as long as possible, while also making a difference in the community after his tragic death.

Jake Williams, 24, died in a tragic accident in July 2024.

Across Australia, one small logo with a big story is finding its way onto shirts, caps, hats, motocross gloves, stuck to the back of utes, onto helmets and motorbikes.

The logo - the letters J, A and W interlocked in a bold blue font - was that of Jake Williams, a 24-year-old motocross rider who died in a tragic accident in July.

Jake Williams' family is trying to get his logo into the world, so the 24-year-old's legacy can live on. Photo supplied: Owen Williams.

Designed by Jake and his sister Beth Williams, the logo was for Jake’s contracting business and was something he was incredibly proud of.

However, his brother Owen Williams said now his family wanted the logo to serve as a way for people who knew Jake to stay in touch with him.

Jake Williams' family is trying to get his logo into the world, so the 24-year-old's legacy can live on. Photo supplied: Owen Williams.

Mr Williams said between 80 to 90 groups so far have bought more than 350 items including caps, hats and shirts badged with Jake’s logo, and have been shipped far and wide across the country.

Jake Williams' family is trying to get his logo into the world, so the 24-year-old's legacy can live on. Photo supplied: Owen Williams.

Jake’s mother, Lee-ette Williams said the success of the logo made her both proud and saddened.

“When I see people wearing the JAW logo in his honour, it reminds of the incredibly inspirational, hard working and dedicated person Jake was,” she said.

“It makes me feel proud and honoured as his mother.

“We are, of course, sad that he’s not here to see his impact.”

As well as the Williams’ family effort to get the logo out into the world through sale of the shirts and hats, some of Jake’s friends in the motocross community have designed motocross gloves with the logo in coalition with Six93 motorcycles.

“We’ve been very humbled by the number of his friends who have designed and developed gloves, helmets, graphics and other gear with his logo so they can keep riding with him a little longer, and keep his memory alive,” Jake’s sister, Beth, said.

“Some of his friends have had impressive sporting achievements recently and it has been so surreal to see them use the JAW logo to honour their mate on the podium,” Lee-ette said.

Jake Williams' friend wears a hat in his honour. Photo supplied: Owen Williams.

The limited edition gloves are being sold to help the Injune Collective raise money to build a pump track in Injune.

On their social media, the Injune Collective said they were raising money for a “state-of-the-art BMX pump track in Injune dedicated to the memory of Jake Williams”.

“This pump track will be more than just a place to ride; it will be a lasting tribute to Jake’s passion for BMX, MX and his adventurous spirit,” their post reads.

“It will be a place where families can gather, where kids can develop their skills, and where Jake’s legacy can live on, inspiring future generations.”

At the time Jake died, Owen said his phone’s lock screen was emblazoned with the command by which he lived his life: “don’t waste your time”.

“We are incredibly proud that his legacy is being used to create something that will be so transformative for the youth of Injune and district,” Owen said.

Somehow, Jake just knew his time would be short, and was intent on making the most of every moment, Owen said.

“He would work massive days and still make time to do the stuff that he loved,” he said.

While his family knew Jake was larger than life, in his passing, they were moved to discover just how many people’s lives he touched.

“I don’t think he would have realised the impact he had on so many people as well,” Owen said.

Jake’s father, Owy Williams said “I feel very proud of the person Jake became”.

“We miss him dearly.”

Originally published as Roma man Jake Williams’ legacy to be carried on in a logo