Ira James Williams

Ira James Williams was born on January 8, 1948 in Hearne, Texas to the parentage of Ira D. Williams and Nealer Beatrice Jenkins. He accepted Christ at an early age and was raised in the Church of God in Christ, a foundation that remained with him throughout his life.

Ira attended Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School and later graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. He enlisted in the United States Army on April 12, 1965, and proudly served his country until February 9, 1972, when he received an Honorable Discharge as a Vietnam Era Veteran.

On August 19, 1970, Ira was united in Holy Matrimony to Deborah Sue Kirven. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Kira Dechelle Williams and Ira James Williams, III. Ira also shared a special fatherly bond with DeMorris Keon Dudley-Williams, Nataria Young, and Oscar Young, all whom he loved deeply.

A man of many talents, Ira was a successful Life Insurance Salesman and also a skilled welder. In his younger years, he was known for his vibrant personality as a deejay—“Ira J the DJ”—spinning music at Club Manhattan. In later years, he was affectionately known as “School.” Ira opened his home to everybody and he never met a stranger; his meek and easygoing nature left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. One of his greatest joys was cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys every Sunday.

Ira was preceded in death by his parents; his longtime sweetheart, LaTanya DeShae Walker; his brothers, Robert Lee Williams, Jimmy Charles Williams, and Kenneth Wayne Williams; and his sisters, Mamie Jewel Jackson, Doris Jean Johnson, Lola Bernice Williams, Helen Elaine Jackson, and Shirley Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Kira Dechelle and son-in-law Freaderick Lynn Harper; his sons, Ira James Williams III, DeMorris Keon Williams and daughter-in-law Neshunta; and his beloved grandchildren, Kelvin Christian “KJ” Walker, Kaeden Lee Walker, Lauryn Kaye Williams, DeMorris Keon Williams II, Nashavion Young, and Christian Young. He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, including a very special bond with his niece Dedric Alexander and his nephew Anthony Ray Jackson.