James A. Williams

James A. Williams, age 80, of Corbin, KY, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025, at Baptist Health Corbin.

Born in Wallins Creek, KY, he was the son of the late Raymond Williams and Nettie Saylor York. James proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy. Following his military service, he began a long career in the railroad industry, working for several companies before retiring from CSX Railroad as an Engineer. Along the way, he earned the nickname “Squirt,” a name fondly remembered by his friends and co-workers.

James was a member of Faith Baptist Church and lived a life rooted in faith, family, and his passion for cars. He loved searching for the next vehicle to add to his collection and was always ready for the hunt. Above all, James cherished his family — especially his grandsons — with whom he shared many conversations about hunting and the latest car that had caught his eye.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Williams, and his baby sister.

He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Diane Williams; son, Doug Williams; daughter, Kimberly Frazier; grandsons, Joshua Cole Frazier and Jacob Daniel Frazier; father of his grandchildren, Ben Frazier, Jr.; half-brother, Gary York; sister-in-law, Evelyn Williams; sisters-in-law, Mary Mitchell (Damon), and Judy Shackleford (Nath); brothers-in-law, Pete Johnson, Gene Hubbs, and Ronnie Hubbs (Alma); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 12:00–1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where his funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Benny Bush officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Corbin, KY.

Serving as pallbearers: Dan Parks, Don Hutton, Kenny Williams, Mike Mills, Richard Stevens, and Tom Baker. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where messages of condolence may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.

Floral Tributes for James Williams