James Lee Williams Jr.

James Lee Williams Jr., known affectionately to family and friends as “PawPaw,” passed away at the age of 88 on September 10, 2025. He was born on August 20, 1937, in Asheville, North Carolina. He was the son of James Lee Williams Sr. and Mary Zelma Jones of Asheville, N.C.

James was a lifelong learner—eager to explore anything and everything.

Whether buried in a book, solving a puzzle, or learning a new recipe, his curiosity was boundless. He delighted in traveling and uncovering the histories of the places he visited. One of his greatest joys was taking his three granddaughters on adventures to national parks and other unique sites across the country.

James was proud of his country and joined the United States Army at 17 years old. Later, he served his community as a dedicated employee of the United States Postal Service for 33 years. He was a member of the Lions Club, American Legion Post 433, and the NC Korean War Veterans Association. Outside of work, he found joy in square dancing and tending to a thriving garden alongside his beloved wife, Michaele, of 48 years.

A devoted genealogist, James spent countless hours tracing his ancestors, weaving together stories that connected past and present. He never met a stranger and loved to make people smile. Friends and family recall how he would call out of the blue with a unique recipe, a witty joke, or an intriguing fact he’d just learned—simple gestures that showed how much he cared.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the neighbors of Hickory Acres for the love and care they provided to James over the years- truly demonstrating the 2nd great commandment to “Love thy neighbor as thyself”.

Surviving Family

• Daughters: Tracie (Jody) Henson and Karen Williams

• Granddaughters: Jessica (Josh) Carlson, Paige Henson, and Breanna (Corbin) Dawson

• Great-grandchildren: Madilyn Carlson, Dylan Carlson, Beckett Carlson, Parker Carlson, Tucker Dawson, and Lenora Dawson

A Graveside service will be held on September 16 at 11:00 am at Charlotte Memorial Gardens- 7632 Hood Rd, Charlotte, NC. Afterwards, friends and family are invited to gather at 8620 Pine Circle, Charlotte, N.C. to share stories and favorite "PawPaw Jokes".

James dedicated many hours of service caring for the cemetery where his mother, sister, and baby brother are buried. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to:

Sardis United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund

897 Brevard Road Asheville NC 28806

He will be cherished for his gentle nature, insatiable curiosity, and the warmth he spread through storytelling, laughter, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.