James David Williams

James David Williams, 61, a beloved son, brother, husband, father and friend, journeyed to the other side on November 24, 2025 surrounded by his family in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He was born on October 13, 1964 in Los Angeles, California. James graduated from Tahlequah High School in 1982. He then attended Northeastern State University and earned a BS in History Education, as well as a MS in Counseling Psychology. James was a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor at JBC, Cherokee Nation for 35 years. Recently, he was Project Director at Echota Behavioral Health. James tirelessly served at-risk Native American adolescents by shining a light on the path to reclaim their lives from trauma and addiction; empowering them to break the cycle of the destructive patterns of substance abuse and dysfunction.
James was preceded in death by his daughter Gail Andra Williams, his father David Williams (a renown Kiowa artist), his step-father James H. Boren, (a WWII Navy veteran), his paternal grandparents Emmett (a WWII Army veteran) and Jenny Williams of Anadarko, Oklahoma, his maternal grandparents Raymond and Mildred Eubanks of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and a nephew Jonathon Williams of Las Vegas, Nevada. James is survived by his wife Angela, sons Emmett (survivor, Neuroblastoma, Stage IV pediatric cancer) and Truman, and daughter Elizabeth O'Bryan and granddaughter, Angel Williams. He is also survived by his mother Norma Boren, his brother John and wife Kimberly Williams, a step-brother Stan Boren and wife Cathie, nephews Derek Williams (USAF Tech Sgt stationed at Ramstein AFB, Germany), Zach Tullis, Tyler Tullis, Jacob Tullis and Ryan Jenkins. Nieces, Jordan Barbee and husband Tyler, Brianna Kenney, Ashley Linney, Brandi Whitmire, Laura Teague, Emily Tullis and a circle filled with other family members and friends.
James loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed rappelling, hiking, fishing, exploring caves and traveling. He recently took his boys to Yellowstone National Park and Devil's Tower in Wyoming. James loved History and visited every museum he could. He was a great artist and musician and taught himself to play the piano and guitar. James was a proud member of the Kiowa tribe and loved going to pow wows, gourd dancing and singing. James loved sports as well and was an avid Oklahoma University football fan.
Most of all, he will be remembered for his great love of family and friends. He will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one or more of the following non profits close to our hearts.
OU Children's Hospital Select, "Dedicate in memory of James Williams"
St. Francis Children's Hospital Choose Memorial Gift and in the "Dedicate My Gift to" box, type Pediatric Oncology PJ Panda Emergency Fund IMO James Williams