Minister James Williams, Jr. was born to Bertha and James Williams, Sr. on Tuesday, September 2, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the eldest of 13 children and helped to raise his brothers and sisters after their father left. Minister James was a member of Revival Temple Apostolic Church under the presiding Bishop Willie J. Duncan Sr., Pastor, Indianapolis, Indiana. Though James attended and served in several churches after moving to Texas, Minister James and his wife, Minister Teresa made their church home at Full Gospel Fire and Deliverance Tabernacle in Mc Kinney, Texas under the Pastoral leadership of Elder John Valentine and Apostle Gemma Valentine.
James attended Indianapolis Public Schools, Crispus Attics High School, Rehoboth Bible College and was a graduate of The University of Michigan and of the Muskegon Bible Institute Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1989, James’ mother, the late Bertha Rainey-Williams insisted that he meet one of her prayer partners, Teresa Kirkman, whom he dated and later married. He re-dedicated his life to Christ and became an active member in the church as a Deacon and an ordained minister at New Zion Tabernacle in Indianapolis, Indiana under the leadership of the late Bishop Donald Lee Thomas in 1992.
James worked at Chrysler Indianapolis Foundry for 37 1/2 years retiring in 2005. In 1992 he started a prayer and bible study where employees could attend on their lunch hour. Humbling his self to God, he sought how God would have him to reach others and lead them to Christ. Being led by God, James used this opportunity to minster God’s word and to Christ. Being led by God, he formed an Outreach Ministry, “Crusaders of The Harvest”, with Minister Rodney Smith and Minister Henry Carter who shared his vision to lead others to Christ. In May 2000 he was appointed by the UAW International Staff as the EAP Representative, (Employee Assistant Program) and Chaplin at the Indianapolis Foundry. Though James’ schedule was rigorous, he was determined to earn his degree and certification through The University of Michigan, where he graduated. He was able to help many employees and their family members who experienced substance abuse, domestic violence, suicide and psychological challenges.
James met and made friends on many platforms, led many to Christ, always willing to be of help any time of day or night. He served as one of the Clergy’s at Methodist Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital and Community Hospitals in Indianapolis, Indiana until 2011 when he moved his family to Wylie, Texas.
The Lord called James home on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at 74 years and 8 days. Forever to cherish James’ memories is his best friend, confident, soulmate and, wife of 32 years Teresa, daughters, Lesia Williams-Porter (Darrin), Shannon Williams, Erica Williams, sons, Corbett Williams, James Payton Williams and daughter Angela, 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, Siblings, Noble Jean Shropshire, Bertha Williams Jr., Anthony Williams, Eliza Williams, Chris Williams, Shelia Vaden (Kevin), Robert Williams (Lisa) and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings, Craig, Nathan, Seretha, Dora and Mark Williams.