JAMES S. WILLIAMS, SR.

Our adored James Stewart Williams, Sr., 72, was suddenly called to his final resting home on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.   

As a child he was given the nickname “Butch” and it stuck with him for life. He was born on November 24, 1951, to Cleazeal Williams and raised by his grandmother, Pearlie Williams, in Akron, Ohio. Butch attended South High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marines. Upon discharge, he became a professional automotive mechanic at Summerville Garage and later worked at Tailor Pontiac. In his next chapter, he transitioned to being a dock worker at Pacific Intermountain Express (PIE) which led to embarking on a new career as a long-haul truck driver. Butch mastered the roadway for 3 decades combined at PIE, Consolidated Freight, and after several company mergers he retired from Yellow Roadway Corporation in 2008. In his last chapter, Butch enjoyed utilizing his expertise to provide affordable car repair services (at his leisure) to family and friends in the greater Akron community. 

When not working, Butch loved playing pool, swimming, watching sports (especially Ohio State), westerns, and karate movies. He attempted to get his children into Martial Arts, but they abandoned it for bowling! Most of all, Butch was always the life of every party! He adored spending quality time with his children, grand-children, relatives, and friends. If you knew Butch, you know that “Say it Ain’t So” was his favorite saying (he’s likely saying it to himself right now)! This and any other Butch saying were always followed by his infectious smile and laughter. His enormous sense of humor will truly be missed along with his strength, love, and affection.

He leaves to cherish precious memories, 3 daughters (Shawntess, Candance, Ivy) and a son (James Jr.); stepson, (Monte); bonus children (Jackie and Terrell); daughter-in-law (Rita) and son-in-law (Mike); 4 stepsiblings (Leonard, Barbara Jean, Karen, Joe); a host of first cousins that were like siblings; and many grand-children and great grand-children; along with several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

Butch was preceded in death by his mother and grandmother (Cleazeal and Pearlie); father figures (Carl and William); and spouse (Wanda).   

His spirit touched a lot of people throughout his lifetime, and he remains loved dearly by all of them. 

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