William James, Sr.

James ~ William James, Sr., affectionately known as “Jake” was born February 9, 1954, in Lafayette, Alabama to the proud parents of the late Milford James and Mary Alice Gray James. He was a long-time resident of Jacksonville where he attended the local schools of Duval County and was a graduate of Stanton High School, class of 1972.

After high school, William enlisted in the U S Army and was later employed by Amtrak as a culinary specialist.  He was joined in holy matrimony to the late Vera Alisa James.

In the early afternoon of Monday, June 23, 2025, an angel of the most high was dispatched and visited the hospital room of William and entered him into eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera James; son, William James, Jr.; parents, Milford and Mary James; brother, Eugene James.  William leaves to cherish his memory, devoted son, Victor L. James (Jessica Nelson); stepson, Tony Reed; grandchildren, Jeremiah James, Victor L. James, Jr, Victoria Lisa James; loving sister, Robin James Harris; nephews, Jamaal Jones, Sr. (Sabrina Bloodworth), Eugene James, Jr., Adrian James, Jamaal Jones, Jr.; nieces, Lashika Reed, Yultetia James, Tia Harris; sister-in-law, Deborah James; special sister-in-law, Yvette Stokes; god sister, Jackie Bates-Collins; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of William James, Sr, 11:30 AM Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at The Soutel Chapel.   Visitation Monday from 5 – 7 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William James, Sr., please visit our floral store.