William "Bill" Martin James

Bill was born to Cole and Stella English James at home in Kennard, Texas on November 19, 1933.

During his attendance at Kennard High School, Bill discovered his love for sports. He starred on the basketball team while also playing the lead in his high school play.

Upon graduation, he was drafted into the US Navy, subsequently serving aboard the USS Shangri-La. Following the end of his naval career, Bill pursued a career as an electrician. Throughout his life, his passion for hunting and fishing were well known. He was always the life of the party from the deer camp to the dance floor. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, who will be remembered lovingly by his family.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Mattie James; daughter Jennifer Fischer and husband John; son Robert Jones and wife Vicky; and daughter Tammy Starkey; sister-in-law Ernestine Halbert; grandchildren Morgan and Anna Fischer, grandchild Tatpui Lam, grandchildren Natalie, Jacqui, and Isaiah Jones, life long friend Bobbie Jones and family, nephew Tom Patton and wife Carolyn, nephew RK Halbert and wife Mandy and niece Kay Sterling and husband Rob.

Bill was preceded in death by parents Cole and Stella James; sister Abilene Hudson; sister Maxine Wolf; sister Edyth Jones; brother Oscar James and brother Perry James.

Other family members and a host of friends are also left to treasure his memory.

A graveside service and interment for Bill will be held Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Ivie Cemetery, Kennard, Texas.

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