James Williams
A funeral service was held on Aug. 8, 2025, at Carl Barnes Funeral Home Chapel in Houston Texas, for James Williams, who passed away on July 15, 2025. Pastor Eric A. Wilson Sr. officiated. Interment was in Houston National Cemetery.
James was born on Nov. 28, 1946, in Lawrence County, Monticello, to Minister LJ Williams and Lillie Mae Williams. He was the sixth child of 13 children (the second son of three boys). James graduated from McCullough High School in Monticello in 1963. James enlisted into the military (US Air Force) on Dec. 14, 1964, in Maywood, Ill. While in the service, James’ duty assignments included: base police, security, police, and K-9 handler (RAF Lakenheath, England). His final rank was sergeant before receiving his honorable discharge in 1968.
James came to Houston in January 1969. In the spring of that year, he entered Texas Southern University as a freshman, where he was a walk-on with the TSU Tigers football team. He graduated from TSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and physical education.
James gave his life to Christ in 1973. In 1974, he surrendered to his calling from the Lord to preach gospel at Fontaine First Baptist Church, under Pastor JH Brown, his father in the ministry. In February 1993, James was ordained at Mount Corinth MB Church by Pastor Patterson. James‘ first love was the Lord, his church, and his family. His second love was counseling and teaching, and his third love was “fishing.”
James taught at many schools and mini school districts. He was well known and loved by his students. James retired from teaching in 2002 after 23 years. He then joined forces with TSA, a job he loved so much where he met so many people, famous and all. He then went on to retire from TSA in January 2012 with 12 years of service to them. James pursued further education and graduated from West Oaks Hospital in their licensed chemical dependency counselor program. From there, he counseled and taught the word of God everywhere he went. He was deeply rooted in God‘s word and discipleship as his life depended on it (literally). He served as an assistant chaplain and counselor at the Harris County Jail as well as many other ministries he was involved in. His passion was bringing others to Christ.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Mary Porter, Bertha Williams, Julie Williams, Col. Ora Jean Williams-US Army.
He leaves behind to cherish one daughter, Carlana Mishel Williams-Black; son, Jimmy Lee Williams (Catherine); stepson, Lt. Col. John Sayers III; one granddaughter, Ashlea Nykole Guillory; one grandson, Gregory Albrow; two great-granddaughters; three bonus granddaughters (Isabel, Gloria, Amanda); five sisters, Joyce Hale, Mattie Pearl Williams, Carolyn Holmes, Faith Thomas (Derrick), Bessie Williams; two brothers, LJ Williams Jr. (Debra), Dr. Martin Williams (Lynnell); one goddaughter; a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends.
