Willis Laurence James

Mr. Willis Laurence James, Jr., age 79, of Decatur, GA, was born in Selma, Alabama on June 6, 1934, to the late Willis Laurence James, Sr., and Theodora Fisher James, two years after the birth of his only sibling, Minnie Rose (James) Richardson. On December 24, 2013, he transitioned peacefully from this earthly dwelling to his eternal home of peace and rest.

Affectionately known as "Bill" or "Billy" to family, friends and professional contacts, he will be remembered for the many special qualities he possessed: unwavering courage; a sharp wit; exceptional intelligence; wonderful musical and artistic abilities; a deep love for all children and animals; a passion for playing scrabble, chess, Sudoku, and other games demanding mental acuity; and, perhaps most important of all, a sustained sense of concern for the plight and rights of the perpetually disenfranchised.

Family and friends will remember him best for his keen and broad insights, for his frequent use of humor as instruction, and for his insistence, in almost every conversation, on a response to the challenge of individual responsibility and social justice: not as an intermittent response to a cause de jour, but as a way of life.

For these and many other reasons, his example will continue to illuminate a unique path leading others to opportunities, both large and small, to make a difference in the lives of others. His daily examples of generosity and self-sacrifice, without need or desire for personal recognition, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to make his acquaintance.

He leaves behind a devoted family, loving relatives and longtime friends who forever will be blessed by his presence in their lives.

Information on services to celebrate the life of Willis Laurence James, Jr. follows:

The inurnment will be held today, Friday, January 17, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road, Canton, Georgia.

The Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., Friendship Baptist Church, 437 Mitchell Street, SW, Atlanta, Georgia.  Reverend Dr. Emmanuel L. McCall, Sr., Interim Pastor.  Reverend Dr. Charles W. Washington, Associate Minister for Church Administration, Officiating. A repast will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Family members are asked to gather in the church lounge no later than 1:30 p.m. on January 18, 2013, to form the processional.