William “W.J.” James passed away on Sunday September 2, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. Celebration of life service will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Driggers and Decker Family Funeral Home in Red Oak, Texas. Interment to follow at Red Oak Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Thursday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Driggers and Decker Family Funeral Home. W.J. was born on June 25, 1935 in Lyons, Georgia to Jim and Lula Bell James. He loved God and his family, in that order.
He married Joyce Lawson James and together they had 4 beautiful children. They remained loyal to their vows until she passed away in 2005. He was a devout Christian and spent his time and money helping with mission trips.
Just as the Bible has taught us, he gave back to his community. He had a special place in his heart for charities such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Veterans organizations. For over a year, before the home closed, he would go to the local nursing home with his 2nd wife, Faye, every Sunday before church and share a message from the bible and sing hymns with the residents.
W.J. was a dedicated member of Missionary Baptist Church in Mabank, Texas for many years. W.J. was hardworking man and a loyal friend to many. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, John.
He taught John at a young age about fishing techniques and gun safety. He also doted on his girls and enjoyed the time they spent together. W.J. or “Pappa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a man of strong character and compassion and his legacy will live on in his family.
He will be missed by all who got the pleasure to know him. W.J. was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife, Joyce Janette James; 2nd wife, Faye Jordan James; sisters, Georgia and Mary Jo; and his grandson, Jarrod Brodnax. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Linda James Stringer and her husband, Mark, Lisa Brodnax and her husband Rick and Rhonda King and her husband, Darrell; son, John James; grandchildren, Jennifer Hill (Tony), Steven Stringer, Mandi Wilcox ( Bryan), Brandi Wargacki (Brien), Brittni Garcia- King, Trish Garcia- King Brooke King, Brenna Smythe ( Liam), Breelyn King ( fiancé, Trevyn Beck) and Elizabeth Smallwood ( Zack); 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the ALS Foundation in W.J.’s name. favorite_border Donations Pledges Donations may be made to: American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123 Tel: 1-800-227-2345 Web: www. cancer.org/ The ALS Association 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington DC 20005 Tel: 1-202-407-8580 Web: www.
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