James E. Williams, age 71

James E. Williams, of Newton, Illinois, and formerly of Rosiclare, Illinois and Carterville, Illinois, passed away at 10:53 PM - Monday, August 15, 2016, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Masonic services will be held at 2:00 PM – Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with funeral services celebrating the of life James, to follow immediately after with Lucas O'Dell and Brad Snowden officiating.  Burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois.   Visitation will be held 2 hours before the service.  In loving memory of James, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Fund P.O. Box 333 Newton, Illinois 62448.  The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com .

James was born on September 15, 1944, in Rosiclare, Illinois, the son of Jewell J. and Dora E. (Myrick) Williams.  He married Rita G. Blackman on November 14, 1964, at the McKinley Baptist Church in Harrisburg, Illinois, and she survives.

James was a graduate of the Rosiclare Community High School in Rosiclare, Illinois, graduating with the Class of 1962.

James was a carpenter for many years and a firefighter at Carterville, Illinois. He was faithful and devoted member of the Southern Baptist Church in Newton and a former member of the First Baptist Church in Carterville, Illinois.  He was a member and past Master of the Williamson Lodge #804 in Hurst, Illinois; member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #497 in Newton.

James enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family and friends and reminiscing old times.

James is survived by:

Wife of 51 years – Rita Williams of Newton, Illinois

Children – James Michael "Mickey" (wife Kimberly) Williams of Carterville, Illinois

Tamara Sue (husband Larry) Melvin of Marion, Illinois

Jennifer Lynne (husband Don) Zerrusen of Teutopolis, Illinois

Brothers – Bill (wife Martha) Williams of Elizabethtown, Illinois

Robert (wife Judy) Williams of Vincennes, Indiana

Sister- Carolyn Carmickle of Golconda, Illinois

Brother-in-law – Kent Jester of Junction, Illinois

Sister-in-law – Beverly Smith of Harrisburg, Illinois

6 Grandchidren
3 Great Grandchildren

James was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Gleness Jester.