William "Billy" Cleveland James, 84, of Burgaw passed gently from his earthly life Saturday, June 27, 2015 at DaySpring Assisted Living in Wallace after he and his beloved family caringly dealt for a number of years with his progressive disease, Alzheimers.

Billy, the middle son of five was born May 13, 1931 in Duplin County to Emil and Mary Henry Jenkins James. He attended school in Wallace and excelled in high school sports. While still in school Billy joined the NC National Guard and after graduation was transferred into US Army active duty where he was soon promoted to Sergeant and Gun Commander. Following his military duty Billy was offered a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but turned it down to attend college and attended both Wake Forest College and East Carolina University. Billy and Jo Ann married and both attended East Carolina University where they were blessed with a son and daughter. Billy began working in the family business, Williams Lumber Company in Jacksonville where he became a partner and had a successful career in building materials and as a licensed NC contractor, retiring at the age of 50.

He was a faithful member of Westview United Methodist Church and King Solomon Lodge No. 138 A.F.& A.M. He was generous with his time and talents, serving on the Board of Directors for Pender Academy, President of Burgaw Athletic and Pender Academy Boosters Clubs. Being a man of many interests, Billy enjoyed sharing the fruits of his garden, playing a good game of golf, and most of all hunting quail. Billy possessed a keen intellect, sharp wit, and engaging personality. Amongst the legacies Billy leaves to us are the importance of God, Family and Country.

Billy is survived by his loving and devoted family: wife of 60 years, Jo Ann Williams James; son, William "Bill" C. James, Jr. (Joy); daughter, Lee Ann James Franks (Paul); grandchildren, Kristin James Wells (William), Elizabeth "Beth" Franks Parker (Brandon), and Daniel Paul Franks (Ashley); great granddaughters, Madison Wells and Emma Franks; brother, Elwood James (Carolyn); sisters-in-law, Virginia Alice Williams, Sylvia James, Betsy James, and Jackie James; and many extended family and dear friends. Billy was preceded in death by his brothers C. J., Henry and Harold James.

The family will receive friends at the James residence in Burgaw at any time. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. Judy Jeremias and The Rev. Mike Herring officiating. Burial will follow in Burgaw Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be given to Westview UMC, C/O Mary Jane Lanier, 5094 NC Hwy 53 West, Burgaw, NC 28425.

Condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.
The family will receive friends at the James residence in Burgaw at any time. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. Judy Jeremias and The Rev. Mike Herring officiating. Burial will follow in Burgaw Cemetery.