James Williams

James Albert Williams was born June 15, 1942 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to the late Sidney and Pearl Williams. James was the youngest of six children, the late Gladys Linson, Gloria Jackson, the late Christine Williams Abrams, Sidney Williams, Jr. and the late Mary Works. At an early age James moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where he joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church. James attended public schools in Saginaw, Michigan and graduated from Saginaw High School in 1960. He later went on to receive a certificate as a Home Health Care Assistant from the State of Michigan and practiced for several years. He was also employed by General Motors Corporation. While James worked at the GM Power Train in Bay City, and retired after 30 years, his real passion was his music. A gifted and talented musician since the tender age of eight, James attributed this gift as an anointing from God. Through his musical talents in vocal training, directing, playing the piano and organ, he felt he was giving back to God while at the same time receiving spiritual enlightenment and uplifting. James served a number of churches in the Saginaw, Bay City area. At Second Baptist he was Director of the McCottry Young Adult Choir, and organist for all choirs and soloist. James served as Head Director, Pianist and Organist for the Mass Choir at the Corinthian Baptist Church in Saginaw. He founded the Voices of Truth, a gospel group consisting of members from various churches in the Saginaw/Bay City area. At one time he was Director of the Mt. Nebo Young Adult Choir. The Gospel Carriers, a legendary quartet, founded in Saginaw consisted of James, Bernie Sullivan, Charles Thompson and Milton Thomas. At New Mount Calvary, he also served as musician for several of their choirs. Over the years, James was affiliated with many churches professionally; while a member of Christ Temple of Eternal Truth he also attended services at the Unity of Bay City. James took pride in his appearance and was always impeccably dressed. One of Uncle James greatest pastimes was to spend an afternoon with his great-grand nephews at Kokomo's Family Fun Center, especially with Aeneas, observing and participating in his passion for scoring goals in the basketball game. He leaves to cherish his memory, sister, Gloria W. Jackson, Detroit, MI; brother, Sidney G. Williams, Jr. (Garcia), Kiawah Island, SC; God-sister, Joyce Parker (Don) Saginaw, MI; God-son, Shawn Mason, Pittsburgh, PA; nephew, Anthony Williams, Minneapolis, MN; grand nephew, Andreas Parsley (Ebony), Saginaw, MI; grand nieces, Ashanti (Michael) Love, Mishawaka, IN and Ariel Williams, Minneapolis, MN; great-grand nephews, Andreas, Jr., Jalen and Aeneas Parsley, Saginaw, MI and Michael Love, Mishawaka, IN; two great-grand nieces, Vaniah and Madison Love, Mishawaka, IN; aunts, Sarah Allen, Nassau, NY and Elizabeth Williams, Vicksburg, MS and a host of other relatives and friends.

James Williams

June 15, 1942 - February 22, 2010