Obituary

Willie Ray James, Sr.

November 1, 1940 - July 11, 2022

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:23

Bro. Willie Ray James Sr. was born on November 1, 1940, to the late Superintendent Elder Dutch and Ruth Nickolson James. Bro. Willie departed this life on July 11, 2022, at approximately 3:30am at his daughter’s home in Mt. Hermon, LA.

Bro. Willie attended Vernon High School.  He was a hardworking man and full of laughter and jokes.  He worked for Boh-Bros. Construction Co., L.L.C. for many years. He also was a dairy farmer until his health fell.

Bro. Willie was united in Holy matrimony to Henry Betty Jo Jones James on November 3, 1963. To this union seven children were born.

Bro. Willie joined Sunlight COGIC at an early age under the leadership of the Late Superintendent Elder Dutch James. The pastor now is Elder Bennie Hart. Bro. Willie served as a deacon, the President of the Pastor Aid, the treasurer, Usher, kept the church lawn up until his health declined and was unable to attend church. He still continued to pay his church dues.

Bro. Willie leaves to mourn and cherish his memories, four daughters: Theresa James (Late Willie E. James) of Gretna, LA, Kimberly Williams (Lionel Williams), Annie Ruth Young (James Robinson), Lalisa Robinson (Alfred Robinson) all of Mt. Hermon, LA; two sons: Willie James Jr. (LeTonya) of Baton Rouge, LA and Kenneth James (Kiwan Grant) of Gretna, LA; six sisters: Naomi James of New Orleans, LA, Josie Butler (Pastor Edward Butler), Loucean Silas (Sammy Silas), Louise Hart (Elder Bennie Hart) all of Mt. Hermon, LA, Martha Beard (Rev. Roger Beard) of Wichita, Kansas and Ruth Watson of Mt. Hermon; one brother: Bobby James of Mt. Hermon; brother-in-law Sidney Johnson: 32 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and other friends

Bro. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Dutch and Ruth Nickolson James, wife Henry Betty Jo Jones James, one daughter: Joyce James; one sister: Christine Johnson; grandson, Clyde James; grand-parents: Robert and Louvenia Tucker James and Willie Frank and Lareena Reed Nickolson.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 9:00AM - 11:00AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00AM  at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Bennie Hart - Officiating. Interment will be at the Mt. Olive Cemetery. Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Franklinton  are in charge of arrangements.