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Oct. 15, 1927 — June 7, 2020

James Edward Williams Jr., 92, of Vandalia, passed away on June 7, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel. A celebration of life memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Mason Baptist Church, 20109 Mason St., in Cassopolis. A private burial will be at a later date at Calvin Center Cemetery. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at clarkch.com.

James was born on Oct. 15, 1927, in Portageville, Missouri, to James Sr., and Dorothy (Suttles) Williams.

On Feb. 21, 1948, James married the love of his life, Shirley Christopher. The two were happily married for 51 years before Shirley passed away in August 1999.

James was the founder and owner of Williams Construction. He worked there for many years until he retired. Every morning, James would go to Broadway Cafe and visit with the staff and other cafe patrons. He also enjoyed going fishing.

James is survived by his children, Shirlene Phillips, Ronald Williams, Roberta (Leo) Rycraw, Joan (Don) Broussard, Lynell Williams, Rodney (Harriette) Williams, Robert (Denise) Williams and Regina Ivens; 31 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Mae Warrick, Dorothy Jones, Thelma Curry and Nell Guy; and brother-in-law, Albert Thrash.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Dorothy; wife, Shirley; daughter, Cathy Williams; siblings, Helen Meridith, Ruth Christopher, Mary Thrash and Cecil Williams; and son-in-law, Randy Ivens.