Willie James, Jr.

Willie James Jr., 89, was born on June 3, 1932 in Rock Hill, SC, to Essie Mae James, and passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Atrium Health. He attended Second Ward High School; after graduation he joined the military and served in the Korean War. After leaving the military, he attended Carver College. He worked for Estes Trucking Company as a truck loader for several years until the company closed. He also worked at Harold’s Barbeque for many years until it was sold. Thereafter, he worked at South 21 for 55 years – frequently stating he was going to retire and never did, until his health finally failed him. Over his time there, generations of families came to know him. After retirement, he enjoyed working in his yard and was always ready to give his sons-in-law advice on how best to maintain their lawns. He was an avid sports fan and played semi-pro football for a period-of-time. If there was a sporting event on, he was watching. His favorite football team was the Carolina Panthers. He was a persistent joker and enjoyed giving his family members special nicknames. He loved Tootsie Roll pops, and expected to receive a bag when his daughter Jacqueline – whom he affectionately called Jackson - came for a visit. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 59 years, Ida Mae James. His children Charles E. Agnew (Bettie); Jacqueline D. Gibson (Ronald Sr.); Richard T. James (Natasha); and M. Regina Hayes (Frank). His grandchildren, Charles Agnew Jr.; Rhonda Huthmacher (Daniel); Ronald Gibson, Jr.; Richard C. James; Terrale D. Mobley; and Jalisa S. Smith; and two great grandchildren, Luke Huthmacher and Amina James. Also a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Preceding him in death was his sister, Rosa Belle James, and his mother Essie Ramseur. Acknowledgements: The family of Willie James, Jr. would like to thank you for the many expressions of love, kindness and sympathy shown through cards, calls, prayers, visits and words of encouragement during this time. We would like to thank especially the doctors and nurses of Atrium Healthcare; the South 21 family; and special friends: Mike and Debbie Reid, Lisa Moore, Darryl Ross, Patricia Caldwell, and his special caregiver, Jada Cain.