James was to born to the late James Lee Williams and Lillie Mae Williams in 1944. James was born in raised in the Tupelo, Mississippi. He decided to join the United States Army straight out of high school in 1963. James found his high school sweatheart and made the decision to make Carla Yoder his wife. James decided to turn his life over to Christ. The love he had for his Pastor and Church family was well knownn. James was well known for his loud laughter and huge smile. James loved arranging family cook outs, and family trips.

James leaves to cherrish his loving wife Carla Yoder Williams one son James Lee Williams Jr. One daughter Sherian Williams eight grandchildren, two aunts and a host of relatives and friends.