Obituary of James Earl Williams

The sun rose on the life of Mr. James Earl Williams on July 5, 1948 in Clarksville, Texas when he was born to Ed Sol and Lavada Williams. The youngest of eleven children, he had six brothers, Sam, John, Lloyd, Fred, Willie Joe and Robert and four sisters, Lee Ethel, Dolly, Thelma and Patricia. As a child, he was always drawing, being silly and "constantly under your feet". "He was under Thelma's feet once when she was frying chicken. He asked her to "Throw me the meat" and he was burned by the hot grease." Educated in the public school system, James graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Enlisting in the United States Army right after high school, James served from August, 1967 until August, 1973. A Vietnam veteran, he was honored with the National Defense Service Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Stars, Combat Medical Badge, Air Medal, 2 Overseas Stars, and Sharpshooter Badge w/Rifle. His final rank was E5. James was given an Honorable Discharge from the Army and a grateful nation. A Professional Cook, James was employed with the Hospice of St. John in the position of Head Cook. He enjoyed helping the patients. He was known as the "Chowder King". In his free time, James enjoyed family, friends, playing his guitar and drums, drawing and he loved to play chess. His many friends loved him for making them laugh and his caring nature. His favorite color was blue and he most enjoyed rock music. His favorite recording artist was Stephanie Mills. James had a beautiful smile and was always willing to help his family and friends. This smart, funny, fiesty and loving man who was a Marvin Gaye look alike was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. The sun set on the life of Mr. James Earl Williams on March 31, 2015 when he passed into eternal rest. He is preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings. Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Patricia West of Springfield, MA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rest in peace...James