James Williams Obituary

Williams, James Edward Was born July 3rd, 1946, to Mildred and Algie, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee. James graduated from Mitchell High School in 1964. He attended Tennessee State University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. He graduated in 1968 with a BS in Accounting and Finance. James began his professional career at General Motors in Detroit before moving to Chicago to work for Arthur Anderson and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois where he met and eventually married Edith Adams in 1972. From their nearly 30 year union came two children, Amanda and Anthony. They amicably divorced in 2002. In 1975, James took a risk and founded his own firm. What began as a dream in his south side dining room soon became one of the most reputable firms in Chicago; a pillar of the black business landscape for 35 years. James Williams & Co. provided accounting services to small businesses, non-profit and government institutions. James was a member of the AICPA, Illinois Society of CPAs, and National Association of Black Accountants. James was a devoted member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, participating in committees and singing in the Choir. He transitioned unexpectedly on May 17, while visiting family in Memphis, His kind heart, gentle voice, and tireless work ethic will live on with all who were close to him. He was preceded in death by both parents, and brothers Ricky, Glenn, and Larry. He is survived by brother Algie III (Addie), sisters Pam and Wanda, children Amanda (Jason) and Anthony, and granddaughter, Issa, and family, friends, and business associates. Visitation: 6 to 9 p.m.,Wednesday, at A.R. Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago. Funeral: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Thursday, May 26 at 11am. Interment at Oakwoods Cemetery. Info 773-846-6567 or www.leakandsonsfuneralhomes.com