In 1991, Genoa City Police Detective Carl Williams was working on a case. He was captured by the criminals, beaten and left for dead. He was found by Ruth Anne, a resident of Norfolk, who nursed him back to health but he had amnesia. Jim got a job at the local airport. After Mary Williams had accepted a marriage proposal from Charlie Ottwell, Paul Williams' wife, Christine Williams, was traveling. She was shocked to discover Carl still alive and working at the airport.