James Robert Williams

1939 - 2018

James Robert Williams

Born: October 21, 1939

Died: July 13, 2018

James Robert Williams was born on October 21, 1939 to the late Pompie Sr. and Lorena Williams in Houlka, Mississippi. He peacefully transitioned into eternity on Friday, July 13, 2018 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center with his family by his side.

James Robert Williams was 7th of 14 children, whom at an early age, accepted Christ at Second Baptist Church in Houlka Mississippi.

James learned the value of hard work and the value of an education at an early age. For much of his school aged years, James was taught by his mother, and by the time he reached high school, he was well advanced past his peers and became valedictorian of his graduating high school class.

He later went on to study engineering at Harris Junior College in Meridian Mississippi, where he obtained an Associate's Degree in Engineering. To further his education, James moved on to Mississippi Valley State University where he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering.

James and Pellie relocated to Joliet Illinois in 1969 where they enjoyed life together while raising their two daughters, Shari and Althea. In 1969 James joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church and continued on to his Christian journey under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Issac Singleton Sr. and Rev. Dr. David G. Latimore.

James had a successful career at Caterpillar tractor company where he exemplified career growth and retired as a line supervisor after 30 years of service.

James enjoyed spending countless hours talking on the phone with his siblings, laughing and spending time with his family, watching westerns and sitting outside in front of his garage.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Pompie Sr. and Lorena Williams; brothers, Levi, Felix, Pompie Jr, OJ Allen, Eddie Coy and Raymond Williams; one sister, LuRay (Arzell) Mayfield.

James leaves to cherish his precious memory, his loving wife, Pellie Williams of Joliet IL; daughters, Shari (Sandy) Thompson and Althea (Antione) Ford of Joliet IL; two sons, Michael (Donna) Burage of Meridian, MS and Chris Ingram of Pontotoc, MS; grandchildren, Brianna Thompson, Brenton Thompson, Jacoby James Ford and Jada Ford; one great-grandchild, Brayden Thompson; siblings, Bobby (Dorothy) Williams and Pastor Gary (Diane) Williams of Joliet IL, Willie Mae (Ernest) Smith of Meridian, MS, Larry (Joan) Williams and Lamanuel (Annie Ruth) Williams of Pontotoc, MS, Hazel Stokes of Detroit, MI; god-daughter, Jasmine Williams-Beverly of Joliet IL. Also leaving his loving memory to a host of nieces, nephews, additional family and Friends.

Celebration of the life for James Williams will take place with a visitation on Friday, July 20, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the funeral home and Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 9:00 to 10:00am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 402 Singleton Pl., Joliet, IL. Service at 10:00am, Pastor Jonathan Mills officiating. Interment following at Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet, IL.

Minor-Morris Funeral Home, Ltd.

112 Richards St. (815) 723-1283