James Williams

James, affectionately called Jimmy, was born March 15, 1940, in Savannah, GA, where he spent his early childhood and attended Bolden Baptist Church. They moved to the Bronx, New York where he graduated High School and joined the Army. James was Honorably discharged and later worked at the Veterans Hospital in the Bronx. He became an Industrial Painter before he was employed with the New York City Housing Authority, where he received several awards, became Borough Manager and retired in 1994 after 32 years of service. After retirement, James relocated to Bishopville, SC and joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church. He met Ruby Clavon Gibbs in 1997 and they were married May 24, 1998. James enjoyed sports and fishing with his family and friends. He enjoyed planting fruit trees, harvesting fruit and making wine. He did things his way. James departed this life on August 23, 2022.

He was proceeded in death by his birth parents Clifford and Vacile Williams; his custodial parents, Cleveland and Willa Ellis; two sisters, Louise Williams and Fannie Bright; his brother Clifford Williams Jr.; brother-in-law, David Clavon; grandson, James Jefferson III; and his beloved dog, “Shaft”.

James is survived by his wife, Ruby Gibbs Williams; seven children, Samuel Butch Robinson, James Greg Robinson, Gary Williams, Alicia Williams Niles (Donald), Jandi Jefferson, Thaddeus (Andrea) Dickey, and Kevin (LaQuetta) Dickey; seven grandchildren, Jamar Williams (Chrystal), Justin Niles, Maia Niles, Brittiany Jefferson, Jessica Dickey, Kierra Redmond, and Dominique Dickey; five great grandchildren, Madison Washington, Neveah Gates, Khorry Dickey, Adreanna Williams, and Jayden Williams; one sister, Deloris (Rufus) Rogers of New York, NY; seven sisters-in-law, Gertrude Major, Anne Clavon, Louise White, Deloris (Samuel) Wright, Rebecca (Marion) Major, Shirley Morrell, Ruth Ann (Timothy) Wilson; five brothers-in-law, James (Thelma) Clavon, Benjamin (May) Clavon Jr., Nathaniel (Rozenia) Clavon, Timothy Clavon, Joe Nathan (Barbara) Clavon; one adopted daughter, Brenda Martin; one adopted son DeMarco Mitchell; The Lee County DSN Family, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.