James Herman Williams

JIM'S JOURNEY . . .

We are here today to celebrate the life of James Herman Williams. He was born on December 08, 1930, to the late Dora and Frank Williams, the second of five children. He was born in Silver Spring, Maryland where he resided for the entirety of his life. He was affectionately known by many names including Jim, Mr. Jim, Big Jim, Jim Dandy, Pop-Pop and Daddy. For those who came to know him in the church, he was called Brother Jim.

He attended Lincoln High School where he met the love of his life, Jean. They graduated in 1949 and married the same year. Jean remained his beloved until he received his call to glory. During their blessed union, they raised six children.

Jim started a long tenured employment as a janitor at Suburban Trust Bank, which after several mergers, is now known as Bank of America. As a result of his work ethic and stellar performance, he was offered the opportunity to advance, becoming the "first black bank teller" in Montgomery County. Never being one to rest on his laurels, Jim took several businesses and banking courses, working his way up to become the Manager of the Security Vault, eventually retiring with forty-two years of perfect attendance."High 5 Jim!" He became a member of Stewart Chapel Methodist Church and later Good Hope Union United Methodist Church, as Jean would say, his second home. He was dedicated and committed to the church, holding several positions: President of the Methodist Men and a member of several choirs; the annual Potato Project and teacher for the Wednesday morning prayer group, which he attended faithfully, even as his health declined.  He was also the  M. C. for the M. E. Gospel Singers for over forty years, singing all over the Mid-Atlantic States and in Kentucky, North Carolina and many local churches in Maryland and the D.C. Metro area.  He served willingly wherever and whenever needed in his church and in the community. He was steadfast in his faith and in his love of family.

He was a quiet man who always put God first.  He loved his family and taking part in family gatherings. He enjoyed helping anyone in any way that he could. He was a proud man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and was respected by so many

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