William Harding James was born January 1, 1921, in Kendrick, Florida to General Grant James and Mary McMillan James. The community affectionately called, “James Town.” The house in which he was born still stands on the property next to the present home. Mr. James transitioned to his final rest from the comfort of his home on January 4, 2023. In 1954, he married Earnestine Scott. His son and grandson preceded him in death.
Because opportunities for African Americans in the rural south was limited, Mr. James was able to receive formal education through the eighth grade. Life experiences and his religious upbringing gave him a Ph. D. in living, acquiring, serving, and worshiping God.
He joined Mt. Tabor African Methodist Episcopal Church at a very early age over 90 years ago. He has served as church secretary, church treasurer, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, steward, and class leader for 67 years and sung in the choir. Mr. James faith and prayer life have been his driving force as he tried to live out God’s Word and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
While Mr. James worked many jobs, his pride and joy was his experiences working for the Marion County School System as a custodian and custodian supervisor of 20 schools for 25 years. He was a friend and mentor to countless students and others. His second pride and joy was his farm where he raised thoroughbred horses and cows, hosted elementary school students on his farm and had the opportunity to share his faith as he served others.
Some of his many honors and awards include: 33 Degree Mason, Honorary Deputy Sheriff of Marion County, The NAACP Frank Pinkston Humanitarian Award, the MLK Commemorative Commission Legacy Pioneer Award, and the City of Ocala “William James Start” walking trail on SW Martin Luther King Avenue. He received awards from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 2017, author Cynthia Wilson Graham wrote a book titled Walking By Faith about his life. He was featured in many articles in the Ocala Star Banner Newspaper and various local magazines and newsletters.
Mr. James gave compassion, love, and support to the sick, those grieving, the hungry and homeless, and the incarcerated. He showed special concern for the education, growth and development of children and youth. He made a habit of visiting, calling, and getting to know what was happening with family and friends and stood ready to share prayer, wisdom, and encouragement.
He lived through the administration of eighteen presidents of the United States of America.
Mr. James leaves to cherish his memory: his brother Dr. Grady James, nephews Roscoe Addison (Jacqueline) Chris James, (Annette) Herbert Gaines, (Anita) and a niece Dr. Patricia James, a goddaughter, Vernita Darden and a godson Jerjuan Roundtree. He is also survived by numerous cousins, a loving church family and a host of friends.
Visitation
Friday, January 13, 2023, 1 to 3 p.m.
Sellers Funeral Home, Inc. 440 SW Broadway Street Ocala, FL 34475
Service
Saturday, January 14, 2023, 11 a.m.
House of God Keith Dominion Church, 2830 NW 27th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475