William James

Jacksonville - Williams James, 83 of Jacksonville, entered into eternal rest on Monday, July 10, 2023 at his residence.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 1pm Monday, July 17, 2023 at Greater St. Paul Holy Church (1300 Webb Town Road, Maple Hill, NC).  Burial will follow immediately after the service at the James Cemetery located in Maple Hill, NC. A visitation will be held 4pm to 6pm Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Akridge Family Funeral Care Chapel. 

Elder William James or “Willie” as many knew him, was born William Edward James on June 20, 1940 in Beaufort, NC to the late Cindy Holmes James and William Henry James.  He gained his angel wings on July 10, 2023, at his home in Jacksonville, NC.  He was just 83 years old. Although from Beaufort, NC, William spent most of his life in Maple Hill, NC and Jacksonville, NC.  He was educated in the Onslow County school system and was a member of St. Paul Holy Church, where he remained a member until the time of his death.  He was ordained in the early 1990s as a minister, and preached many inspiring sermons during his tenure.  William was preceded in death by his wife, Mother Brawley Murrill James, Brother McArthur James, Father William Henry James, Mother Cindy Holmes James, and Grandson Kenneth “KT” Glendel James, Jr.

William’s life would seem too short to many, but those of us who were Blessed to be touched by him understand that his existence and the imprint he left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that he stayed here. 

For over 25 years, William served as a dedicated civil servant at Camp Lejeune, NC.   He never missed an opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face.  He drove buses for over 20 years for Piedmont Charter and truly enjoyed traveling the country and seeing different places.  He loved baking, cooking, gardening, and fishing.   He never met a stranger.  Everywhere he went he could spark a conversation with anyone and make a friend.  His love for the Lord was immeasurable. He loved photography and eventually developed a love for videography as well.  This love evolved into him serving as videographer/photographer for Greater St. Paul United Holy Church until his health declined.

William is survived by his Children; Sons: Kenneth Glendel James, Sr., William Arthur James (both of Jacksonville, NC), Edward Fitzgerald James (Vera) - Thomasville, NC; Daughters: Jacqueline Marie James (Jacksonville, NC), Brawley Marie James (Mebane, NC), LeShaontay Ratliff (Eloyes) - Clarksville, TN; God-Daughter: Daviava Pickett Murphy (Brent) - Raleigh, NC; Sisters: Gennittie Welcome (Paul) - Jacksonville, NC, Chrysanthemus Jacobs (James) - Fayetteville, NC,; Brothers:  Steven James (Cordelia) - Jacksonville, NC, John James (Yolanda) - Douglasville, GA; Sisters-in-Law: Dorsay Mitchell(William) - Greensboro, NC, Sharon James (Jacksonville, NC), Esther James (Long Island, NY); Special Aunt: Magalene Bryant (Beaufort, NC), Close Friends: William Bryan, Wallace “Top” Dean (both of Jacksonville, NC), 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, 2 God–grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved extended family, and special friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William James, please visit our floral store.