James Williams

A beautiful life ended on Monday, January 13, 2014, in his home with his wife by his side.

James Carlton Williams was born on December 17, 1938 in Warren County, NC to the late Perlie and India (Allen) Williams. He was educated in the Franklin County, NC public school system. At a high school baseball game, he met the love of his life- Bessie Delores Stamper. Determined not to let her get away, he continually demonstrated the depth of his feeling for her. And, on September 13, 1957, they were united in Holy Matrimony. Two sons were born of this union- Carlton A. and Glenn I.

James and Bessie relocated to Baltimore, MD in 1957. James worked in a textile factory during the day while completing an Automobile and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Training at Carver Voc-Tech High School at night. In 1961, shortly after completing his mechanic's training, James was drafted into the Army. He served six years and received an Honorable Discharge. After being discharged from the military, he "cashed-in" on his mechanic's training and began working at John C. Lewis Company, Inc. where he stayed for 38 years. Afterwards, he worked at Bobcat of Baltimore until he retired.

James was a member of the following Masonic organizations: M.W. Zerubbabel Grand Lodge where he was a Past Master of Keystone Lodge #9, Grand Treasurer of M.W. Zerubbabel Grand Lodge, Grand Treasurer of Respective Eastern Light Grand Consistory, and Illustrious Treasurer of Oasis Temple #1 AAONMS. He was an Inspector General and a member of the 33rd Scottish Rite Free Masonry. James was also an active and devoted member of Martha Chapter #9 O.E.S. of Adoptive Rite. In 1980, James joined New Fellowship Christian Community Church at 5220 Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore, under the leadership of Reverend Kevin Rogers. He loved his church family and was on the Trustee Board for more than 10 years.

James loved his Masonic family deeply but his greatest passion was his immediate family and his motorcycle. When his sons became of age, James made it a regular affair of going places together- both near and far on their bikes. He was a very sociable person and will be greatly missed!

James leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife of 56 years, Bessie; two devoted sons, Carlton (Bobbie) and Glenn; one sister, Elaine (C.W.) Ellis of Louisburg, NC; one sister-in-law, Doris Stamper of Hollister, NC (who he said was the best sister-in-law he had); three brothers-in-law, Henry (Ruby) Stamper of Baltimore, MD, Van (Helen) Stamper of East Orange, NJ, and Joseph (Delores) Stamper of Hollister, NC; a dedicated first cousin, Percy (Etheleen) Williams of Louisburg, NC; three dear, dear friends of the family, Walter Alston of Louisburg, NC, Charles Bellamy of Silver Spring, MD, and Henry Thomas of Baltimore, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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