James was born on March 6, 1939, to Myron and Mable (Foreman) Williams in Holland, Missouri. He and Shirley were united in Holy Matrimony on July 1st, 1977, in Rockford IL.
James is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shirley; children, Jednice (John), Lisa (Len), Vicky (Ricky), and Kathren (Jason); grandchildren, Jason (Kristina), Jeremy, Dominick, Chad (Crystal), Amber, Kayla, Justin, Joby, Nicole (Carson), Tyler (Cassie), and Jacob; great grandchildren, Derek, Jayden, Ella, Kynley, Brantley, Gavin, Charlotte, Dalton, and Maeve; siblings, Albert (Jo), Ray (Veda), Earl, Mary, Faye, Joyce (Bill), and Brenda.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Mable; grandson, Ryan; siblings, Elvis and Ailene.
A visitation with interment will be at Sunset Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Machesney Park, IL. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 2 pm.
