Mr. James S. Williams Jr., a beloved 94-year-old gentleman of Chincoteague, passed peacefully into the loving arms of the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Commonwealth Senior Living in Onancock.
James was one of 18 siblings. He was born on Jan. 7, 1930, in Chincoteague to the late James S. and Estella Williams. James was a member of Union Baptist Church. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving with dedication and honor. After his military service, he worked as a guard at NASA, Wallops Island. James adored his family, community, and “come heres” alike.
For nearly a century, James made an island cottage his own. As a true friend of animals, he was exceptionally knowledgeable regarding local waterfowl, shorebirds, and several barnyard friends. Nestled within the greenery of his backyard, James created shelters and maintained healthy diets for a variety of truly fortunate feathered and fur-covered pets and rescues.
James was an island treasure, an authentic “Teaguer” who helped to flavor the island with its distinctive charm admired by many. He lived, laughed, loved, and found the good in whatever circumstance life introduced throughout his many years. James was an avid collector and was happy to share his unique items with others with similar interests.
James served God through serving others. When he entered a room, the atmosphere immediately reflected his good-natured, entertaining demeanor. Through humor, ventriloquism, the sharing of local history, or simply recounting the “days of old,” James brightened and nurtured everyone’s day with positivity and sincerity.
Those left to cherish his memory include a sister, Kay Birch, of Bloxom; a brother, Dale F. Williams Sr.; wife, Bonnie Taylor, of Parksley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. James is also survived by a truly dedicated and supportive friend and confidant, Cindy Kane, of Chincoteague, a sister in Christ for more than 25 years. James will be fondly remembered by a lifetime childhood friend and neighbor of 57 years, Winnie Rose Barrett.
James was preceded in death by his parents and 15 siblings, Robert Milton Williams, Ruby Williams Fries, Marion (Jean) Williams Farley, Dorothy Williams Albert, Olive Williams Shreaves, Helen Williams West, Roy G. Williams, Ruth Williams Gevik, Donald L. Williams, Virginia Williams Wild, Peggy Williams, Duane O. Williams Sr., Darrell Williams, Clement J. Williams, and Sandra Louise Williams.
A favorite saying of James, as he prepared to end a visit with friends and/or family, was: “Bet you’re glad you had a chance to see me!” Well spoken indeed! For everyone who was blessed to cross paths with James was certainly glad for the gift of having a “chance to see him.”
A celebration of life service will be held on April 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., Chincoteague, with the Rev. Kevin Eley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Chincoteague Post 159, 4023 Main St., P.O. Box 244, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336-0244.
Services are entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., Chincoteague.
