William Arthur James

William "Bill" Arthur James, 80, a resident of the Cornelius community passed sway on December 18, 2025 in Hillsboro.

Bill was born on January 27, 1945 in Wilcox, AZ. He was the second of three children born to Gordon and Mary (Padrick) James. Bill's father was a Methodist minister and had the opportunity to live throughout Arizona and California following his father's assignments. He graduated from Hemet Union High School with the Class of 1963.

He met his future wife, Evelyn Arnsmeyer, in high school. They were both in the same grade and started courting. They married on December 11, 1965 in Hemet, CA. They made their home in Ontario, CA until 1978 when they moved to Cucamonga, CA. In 2021 they moved to Cornelius to be closer to their daughter.

Bill worked in a variety of jobs throughout his lifetime; He worked for his brother-in-law in the funeral home, he was a machinist for G E, and for Mindrum Precision Co. Bill was also an insurance agent.

He enjoyed music and was a talented Guitar, trombone, Banjo and cello player. He led various church choirs and when not leading he was in the choir singing. He was also into building electronic gadgets including stereos, and sound systems. He liked to record music and listen to classical music. He also loved photography. He took pictures of nature and his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two siblings

He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn, a daughter and her spouse, Veronica "Nici" and Robert Edmonds of Cornelius, two grandchildren Jeanette and Robbie and two great grandsons, J.T. and Will.