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James Williams Obituary
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Jill M. Lawrence
August 12, 2024
Greetings to Mr. Williams entire family,
While I may be late in sharing my condolences, the sentiment of how Mr. Williams shaped my life runs deep!! Only now at a class reunion this past weekend, that I am finding out about his passing. I am a television actress under the professional name of Jill Marie Lawrence. I have reflected on so many things as I have navigated thru life and I am humbled, grateful & more wise by Mr. Williams stern "fist" that he held and how he safeguarded us as his students at Buffalo Traditional School. I can only hope & pray his family know that you have my sincere condolences from my Mom & I.
Claudette
May 25, 2021
I knew Mr. Williams as our principal at Woodlawn Junior high school. Mr. Williams was a man who kept students engaged, teachers on their toes and parents informed of every activity during a time in the 70's when world was changing during the civil rights movement. I am saddened to learn of his passing. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mr. Williams
David Rodriguez
May 3, 2021
I was a young student at Buffalo Traditional when I first came across Dr Williams. He was an amazing person that I often think about. Educators lost a good one.
Christine Cali
April 22, 2021
Deep admiration for Dr. Williams. His integrity, care and push got through all the nonsense. I thought of Dr. Williams many times over the years and knew even at that young age that he was living his life the way one might strive to. RIP Dr. Williams. Condolences to family. What an honor to have crossed paths with this amazing human.
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Raffaela Pullo (Former Board member, Niagara Falls NY School District)
April 22, 2021
My family and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences. Dr. Williams, as principal of Niagara Falls High School, is fondly remembered as a dynamic and caring educator. Our three children remember him with sincere appreciation for his friendship and concern for the welfare and growth of all students while at Niagara Falls High School. A visitor to our home he was always friendly and fun to talk too. As an educator, he was the kind of man, teacher and principal we would like all young people to get to know. Again to his family our sympathy, prayers and gratitude for sharing Dr. Williams with us. The testimonials from former students says it all.
Owen Steed
April 21, 2021
Mr. Williams was our principal at Niagara Falls High School when I graduated. It didn't matter if you were a honor student or a knucklehead he always treated us with respect. Our condolences and prayers are with the family. Niagara County Legislator Owen Steed
Lenor Barksdale
April 21, 2021
Dr. Williams was our principal at Niagara Falls High School and was always encouraging all of his students. He was definitely a no nonsense man, and commanded our respect, but he was also very interested in the lives and achievements of his students. I am very thankful for the impact he had on my teenage years. My deepest condolences to his beautiful family! Thank you for sharing him with us! NFHS class of 1988
Dr. Angela Bradley
April 21, 2021
Rev. Dr. Williams your impact at Niagara Falls High School will never be forgotten. Thank you for impacting my life and always being for the good of the student. You brought something different and for that alone, you will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace, faithful servant. Job well done in exceeding your role here on earth.
Respectfully,
Dr. Angela Bradley
Class of 1989
Niagara Falls High School
Rena Camp,class of 89
March 22, 2021
My Sincere Condolences to the family of Mr. Williams. The Best example of a role model! He truly cared about every youth getting an education and getting along with one another! I wanted to go to the office just to get a word for the day, as a kid!! Rest Well, Good and Faithful Servant!
Carlo Sciandra
March 10, 2021
Mr. Williams was the epitome of a true teacher and advocate for troubled children. On more than one occasion he taught me lessons in life . He helped facilitate me into the military, college and law enforcement.....all because he gave me a chance and mentored. RIP and may God ease the pain of your family.
Robert Lewis
March 8, 2021
To a man that no matter what trouble I was in, he kept me grounded and on the path of doing the right thing, would give me the peace and satisfaction to succeed in life. Thank you dear sir.
Susan Felts
March 8, 2021
Me Williams left a legacy that will never be forgotten. It was an honor to be employed under his administration.
Cynthia Minko
March 8, 2021
Sincerest condolences to the Williams family. Hope you find solace in the knowledge that his life and deeds have created long reaching branches in so many peoples lives. He was such a powerful and positive role model and leader.
Cynthia Minko
BTS class of 1983
Barbara Marshall Krakowiak
March 8, 2021
As we attended Buffalo Traditional in the early 80's Mr. Williams taught us many lessons in life. Did we always understand what he was teaching us? No, but i sure do now. I truly respect the man that opened his heart and love of teaching to us. I can still hear his morning announcements over the intercom. Rest in peace Sir. Your family and friends will miss you dearly! Class of 83
Beverly David-Lewis
March 8, 2021
Sending my deepest sympathy & condolences to the family of Mr. James Williams. Mr. Williams served as the principal of Buffalo Traditional magnet school in Buffalo, NY. He was a true leader & amazing educator. He not only taught us how to value or education but how to be outstanding students & individuals as we moved into this world. He was no nonsense & always expected nothing but the best in all we do. So thank you Mr. Williams job well done RIP!
Cynthia Flowers
March 8, 2021
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the WILLIAMS family. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr Williams as principal of Woodlawn JR Highschool; he was a strong force with a loving smile & kind heart. Rest in peace
ginette calander
March 8, 2021
Mr Williams carried for all of his kids individually. He made us ALL responsible for our actions. He carried himself with respect and demanded it!!!! Rest high Sir
Yolanda Hunter
March 8, 2021
Mr Williams was a well respected man and always wanted his students to strive to there fullest gone but never forgotten. Rest in your heavenly home.
Rhonda McCall - Taste
March 8, 2021
May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. He will always be remembered as Principal Williams. During the formidable years of my life he was there to encourage, discipline and teach, he will truly be missed. Prayers to the family. God bless
Cathy Maunz
March 8, 2021
Mr. Williams was the principal at BTS , I remember his no nonsense approach and holding us accountable. He was stern, we loved and respected him. Fly high Dr. Williams.
Leslie Butcher
March 7, 2021
Mr. Williams was a stern no nonsense principal at Buffalo Traditional. He lead by example and held his students to high standards. We had pride in our school and ourselves because of Mr. Williams. I'm glad to see he continued his legacy all over the world. I hope he knew how much his students grew to appreciate him. R.I.P Mr. Williams...and Thank you.
Jackueline Waters
March 7, 2021
Mr. Williams was Principal of Woodlawn Junior High when I was a student there 1972-1975, he was a well respected Principal . Condolences to the family.
Tara C Fleming-Jefferson & Family
March 7, 2021
Sending Prayers and my condolences to the entire Williams Family. Dr Williams was my principal at Master Jr High-school thay changed to Buffalo Traditional prior to me graduating. RIH Dr Williams you were truly a great man and Principal.
DiAnne Drews Lewis
March 7, 2021
At Buffalo Traditional you treated every student with respect and understanding. You knew each student's name and addressed everyone as we entered the school. I made it a point in my career, as a teacher, to do the same. You built an amazing school that produced so many successful adults. Rest in heaven Dr. Williams.
Vanita Jamison
March 7, 2021
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family. He was one of the Principals Buffalo Traditional ever had and left a legacy of memories in the hearts of the students he served. Job well done my good and faithful servant.
Rhonda D. Weaver-Dobbs
March 7, 2021
A wonderful and committed man whose strong beliefs in the shaping the minds through principles of moral ethics and a code of conduct. Education was his highest priority. Mr. James Williams will Never be forgotten as the "Principal with a vision" . My deepest sympathy to his beloved family. Praying for your comfort during this time!
Tamiko Ortega
March 7, 2021
He was my principal at Buffalo Traditional ! He was an amazing principal, he will be missed ! I think I´m strong minded becomes of him and his practices.. .RIP
Michelle (Sledge) Ramirez
March 7, 2021
To my Dear Lorine, First Cousins, Malika, Tara and family: my prayers are with
you. A man like our beloved Uncle James has too much to
teach us for 80 plus years to
hold. We will have him again
healthy and happy in the
soon to come- paradise.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
This is the youngest daughter of Uncle James sister, Rosa Lee (Williams) Sledge, from Ohio.
Jacqueline Chapman
March 7, 2021
Enjoyed him at Buffalo Traditional. Prayers to the family
Gwendolyn Carter
March 7, 2021
My condolences to the family. Was one of the best principal in the city of Buffalo. Buffalo Traditional great memories. Praying for the family.
Denise C. Brenner BTS Class of 1984
March 7, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Williams. I was a student at Buffalo Traditional with him from 1977 through when he left to pursue other adventures in his life. We kept connected and then I joined him as a volunteer in his bid for a seat on the school board. I will always be indebted to Dr. Williams for everything he taught me, for the principal he was to us all, for making desegregation so seamless, (schools in Buffalo started segregation in 1976) for treating us all the same no matter what our color was and in turn show us that we all can learn, grow and be life long friends together. To his family, my sincere condolences go to you all. I know that God said to him, Well done good and faithful servant. God bless you all.
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