William A. James

William Alfred James was born on November 10, 1932, to the late Frank and Estelle James. He was affectionately known by his family as Daddy, Pop-Pop, Uncle Bill, Bill, and Uncle Willie. He will always be remembered as a great father and grandfather who always showed unconditional love and support to his family, children, and grandchildren, encouraging them to reach their highest goals in life. He did indeed provide for his family.
He grew up in a Christian home and received the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Riverhead, Long Island, NY, under the pastorate of the late Rev. John Joseph. He met and married the love of his life, Joan, to whom he was married for 61 years. Their marriage was one of true love and devotion that was a model for all couples to follow and will be long remembered by the family. He was a long-time member of Riverhead, NY, until he decided to relocate to Smyrna, DE, on November 10, 2012. He became a member of Calvary Baptist Church on March 15, 2015, under the pastorate of Apostle Richard M. Avant.
He had a great sense of humor and was loved by all. His biggest hobby was staying up late with his wife until the wee hours of the morning, watching late movies. In his younger years, he was a nice but tough guy. He was able to take care of his own and himself as well. With that personality trait, he was drawn to the US Air Force. He enlisted in 1952 and served for four years. After his service years ended, he returned home and became an employee of the Brookhaven Lab on Long Island as a dietician and Supervisor of Supply & Inventory. After 39 years, retirement was clearly in view, but retirement for him didn't mean 'doing nothing'. The "James Boys", as they were called (Carl & Willie) started a lucrative cleaning and landscaping business. Their business was very successful.
Bill was also a Mason of the Tyre Lodge #91 on Long Island for many years and ended his tenure as Worshipful Master. He was also a "Master Chef" at summer functions with family & friends, also gathering together at other celebrating seasons, with Christmas being his favorite.
He leaves to mourn his loss, son, Anthony James (MD), daughter, Iris Wright (Eddie) (MD), grandson, Justin Wright (FL), granddaughters, Rev. Sharice Wallace (Edwin) (NY), great-granddaughters, Shaylin Wallace, Aniyah, Lizzy & Javonah Pita (NY), godson, Donald Nelson, Jr. (NY), sisters-in-law, Teal Jackson (NY), Rose James (NY), sisters, Doris James (DE) and Betty Ruth (GA), brother-in-law, J.C. Teague (DE), and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.