JAMES LEE WILLIAMS

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…his delight is in the law of the Lord and on it he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper” Psalm 1: 1-3 James Lee Williams of Springdale, Maryland returned to his heavenly home on Monday, February 19, 2024, after a moment in hospice care. James was born on November 11, 1934, to Chester Williams Sr. and Annie Williams in Petersburg, VA as one of two sets of twins, ten children total, all who predeceased him. James was educated in Petersburg City Schools and graduated from Peabody High where he played on the varsity football team as a center, a drama club, and student council member and studied carpentry. Known as “Jim” amongst his peers, his ambition was to become a Trade Instructor. He often smiled the most contagious smile speaking about Peabody being the place where he met, “his match,” Ida Merciel Stewart. James graduated from Peabody High School in 1952 and worked various building craft apprenticeship roles. He later joined the Air Force during the Korean War and served on active duty as military police from 1955-1958 and as a reservist until 1963. After completing active duty, James returned to Petersburg. That love only grew stronger while away from Ida, and they were married May 13, 1959, and relocated to the Washington, DC area. James worked as a master craftsman and foreman for the federal government at General Services Administration from the late 1960s until his retirement in the mid-1990s. As James grew older, so did his love for God, his family, and community. Having a fervent desire to grow in the faith and serve the household of faith, he was an active member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church since the early 1960s. He served in various church offices including Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent and member of the Senior Choir, where many enjoyed his rendition of “His Eye is On the Sparrow.” Deacon Williams used his gifts of craftsmanship and service to oversee and complete numerous church improvements and renovation projects including the musicians stand, prayer room, elevator installation, and first floor restrooms, among others. As a giver, he gave of his time and his resources. In 1977, as a father of three girls, James was a big brother to two young boys who participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He understood the positive influence and significance of a man could change the course of their lives; and he gave the resource of his time. So much so his daughters thought they had actual brothers. James donated to various charitable organizations such as NAACP, Red Tails, and the Children’s Network to name a few. There is a family joke that charities always seem to find him and he would graciously give. James was a man of great integrity: strong faith, strong character, and strong convictions! He was quiet and reserved but had a sense of humor and dry wit. Lovingly called “The Great Debater,” James would never back down if he believed he was right about something. He always had a book, a newspaper, an informational newsletter, or magazine stacked on the dining room table ready to read, which added to his wealth of knowledge. His strength and tenacity were the bedrock of his family and a blessing to his extended family, acquaintances, and church community. His common sense, quiet assurance, and commitment to excellent service will be missed. James was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Ida, in December 2020. James was extremely proud of the strong legacy he knew he was leaving behind to honor his memory; four generations: three daughters, Sabrina Wiggins (Alonzo), Jamel Coates (William) and Cielia Russell (David), seven grandchildren: Charis (Anthony) Martin, Jordan (Krista) Morgan, David Bristo, Joshua Coates, Jahrod, Jairus (Tijhana) Coates, and Nathaniel Russell, 14 great-grandchildren: Micah (Maya), Amiah, Faith, Zion, Kaden, April, Sahara, Cam’ron, Lilly, Jada, Kali, Bella, Winter, Leilah, one great-great grandchild: Mateo. He also leaves to cherish his memory beloved nieces and nephews, extended family, church family, and a host of long-time friends and neighbors. “Well done thou good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many” Matthew 25:23 Please consider giving a gift that does not fade or wither away. In lieu of flowers, you may donate in Memory of “Mr. James L Williams” to one of his favorite charities:  Mount Moriah Baptist Church (MMBC) Capital Campaign - Electronic Giving – Designate – Building for a Better Tomorrow or Walk of Faith Givelify, Paypal, or Cashapp-$MTMORIAHDC  Red Tail Squadron: Rise Above: Red Tail | CAF RISE ABOVE  Capital Area Food Bank: https://give.capitalareafoodbank.org/ Celebration of Life Service: Monday, March 11, 2024, Wake & Funeral Services 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM at Moriah Baptist Church, 1636 East Capitol Street, Washington, DC 20003 Interment: Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Hwy, Cheltenham, MD 20623 Repast: Faith Outreach Community Church, 10301 Old Fort Road, Ft. Washington, MD 20744

JAMES LEE WILLIAMS

November 11, 1934 - February 19, 2024