William Watson James, 73, of Grand Prairie, Texas, passed on May 14, 2023. William Watson James, affectionately known as "Ellie Paul", was born on January 08, 1940, in Dallas, Texas to the parentage of Doctor Eugene James and Carrie Lee Hartsfield James.

William accepted Christ at an early age at Walnut Springs Baptist Church, Lindale, Texas under the leadership of Amos Lyons. William graduated from Bragg Morris High School in Lindale, Texas 1957. After graduating, he moved to Dallas.

William had been previously employed by Baylor Hospital. William went to work for Parkland Memorial Hospital in 1969. He then left Parkland and went to work for Johnson Flower Shop downtown Dallas where he continued to work until going back to Parkland Memorial Hospital In 1977 and retired in 2009.

William loved playing basketball, riding his bike, music and going out.

William married the love of his life, Dorothy Elizabeth Sykes on May 19, 1972. They were blessed to share 51 years of happiness together. To this union two children were born: Kendra Denise and Kari Elizabeth. After marriage to his wife, they enjoyed going to the movies, plays and swing out dancing.

William was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother: Bennie Joe James Sr.; father-in-law: Thynon Sykes Sr.; mother-in-law: Dorothy "Bernice"; nephew: Richard James.

He leaves to cherish his memories his precious wife, Dorothy "Dot" James; One sister, Sadie Carpenter; sons: Jeffery James and Quintin James of Tyler, Texas, Paul Dewayne (Kelley) James of Argyle, Texas and Rodney Sykes of Dallas, Texas; daughters: Kendra Denise James of Dallas, Texas; Kari Elizabeth James of Dallas, Texas; Sonja Grant of Dallas, Texas; sister: Sadie Carpenter of Winona, Texas. Eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. A special grandson: Milton Bryson Cobb, IV. Four nieces: Peggy Starks, Winona, Texas: Benji (Randy) Hawkins, Winona, Texas; Debra Carpenter, Taylor, Texas; Karen Sue (VonEric) Brown, Waxahachie, Texas. Two nephews: Chester Carpenter and Charles Carpenter, Winona, Texas and a host of other nieces, nephew, cousins, other relatives and friends.