James H. Williams

James Hercules Williams
October 16, 1938 - July 25, 2022

James Hercules Williams was born in St. Matthews, South Carolina on October 16, 1938, to the late Rebecca Carr Williams and Hope Williams, Sr., as one of fifteen children.  He transitioned from his earthly life to his eternal life after a long illness at Chelsea at Forsgate in Monroe Township, NJ on July 25, 2022.

James was educated in the Calhoun County School System in St. Matthews and graduated from John Ford High School in 1958.  He was the only one of his 14 siblings to finish High School; an accomplishment he proudly spoke of during his lifetime.  The family’s financial situation never afforded him the opportunity to pursue the college education he envisioned after receiving his high school diploma.

After he completed his secondary education, James spent time with his siblings and cousins in Washington, DC.  After a few years, James found his way to New York City and resided with his brother Joe and sister in-law Annie Ruth.  After some time, he began working in the shipping and receiving department for a rubber plant manufacturer.  During this time, in 1962, James met and wed his first wife, Delores Byrd of Branchville, SC.  To this union two children were born:  Cynthia Teresa and James Tyrone.  They were married fifteen years.

After working at the rubber plant manufacturer in Manhattan, he held various jobs in the meat industry with Plymouth Rock/Boar’s Head until settling at the Fire Department of New York.  He enjoyed his time with FDNY for over 20 years and worked in various administrative roles until his retirement in 2004.  During this time, James remarried to Gloria Haigler and Yolanda was born to this union. They were married twelve years.

He was an avid sports lover, always rooting for his Mets, Knicks and Giants. He leaves to cherish his fond memory, his daughters Cynthia Williams and Yolanda Weaver (son-in-law Solomon); his son James Tyrone Williams (daughter-in-law Rhea); his sisters Estelle Williams and Rosetta Bright; his 8 grandchildren: Khaaliq Williams, Bryce Williams, Nolan Williams, Christopher Weaver, Alicia Weaver, Aaron Williams, Evan Williams, Zander Williams and one great-granddaughter Isabella Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters: Mabel Pinkney, Ann Whaley and Emma Brown and 9 brothers: Alvin, George, Tommie, Sammie, Willie, Joe, Hope, Lucius and Selius.