James Pressley Williams

Mr. James Pressley Williams, 85, of Salisbury peacefully went home to be with his Lord June 4, 2018 with his loving wife, whom he adored, and his family by his side. He was born on August 1, 1932 in Mooresville, North Carolina. He was the oldest son of 13 children born to Ruby Evelyn Burnette Williams and James Hoyle Williams. As a child his family traveled a lot but he received the majority of his education in Norfolk, Virginia; Hiddenite, North Carolina; and the United States Air Force. He was a life-long learner always seeking to understand how and why. In his early years he traveled the United States, a lot of the time on the railroad. He worked on building railways as a young man while out West. In April of this year he was able to make a last train trip with family that he had been planning for years. He left from Salisbury, North Carolina and rode the train round trip to New Orleans, Louisiana for a family vacation. Mr. Williams proudly served his country and was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving during the Korean War. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 at the age of 18. He received Basic Training at Shepherd Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas. After basic training he went to Aircraft Engine School at Shepherd Air Force Base. From there he attended and graduated from Senior Hydraulic Specialist School at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. His first airplane ride was in 1951 on a C54 Troop Carrier that landed at K9 Air Force Base Pusan, Korea. He developed a love for flying that continued with him throughout his life. His love for the Military and his country did not end with his discharge from service. In addition to his four years in the Air Force, he served 6 additional years in the reserves. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and continued active until October 2013 serving for 38 years. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in leadership roles ranging from Local Commander, Public Relations Officer and Director of Aerospace Education for CAP Wing Division. His years of service to our country totaling 48. Jim was honored for his years of service at a special retirement presentation in February 2014. During his tenure in the Civil Air Patrol he received numerous metals and commendations for excellence. He was a member of Hudson, Miller, Tatum VFW Post 3006. Jim volunteered with Rowan County Military Honor Guard. He coordinated Wreaths Across America for Rowan County for several years. He volunteered in schools to talk about his military experiences and to share displays to intrigue students in the sciences. He enjoyed Tuesday mornings at Thelma’s Restaurant and the discussions with other veterans. Jim proudly could be seen around town or anywhere he went wearing his Korean War B26 Invader hat. He had the privilege, and looked forward to, annual trips with other Korean War Veterans for Reunions where he renewed old friendships and made many more. These trips took him all over the United States and on many Military Posts. One of his proudest moments came in 2013 at the 60th Korean War Veteran’s Reunion in Washington, D.C. where he received the Korean War Metal during a very special presentation. Jim loved and valued family, family reunions and his own heritage. He spent a great deal of time telling stories to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews so they could understand how special times with those you love is so important in life. He wanted each of them to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins; and to have stories to pass to their children. He visited “kin”, and when they were no longer here, he visited their remaining family to make sure they knew they were still loved and belonged to the family. Jim was a master mechanic and enjoyed working on things with his family and friends. He loved a good challenge. Jim loved his garden and his small vineyard; and enjoyed sharing it with others. He was an avid fisherman and had special trips to the coast, to the mountains and even took trips to Canada. Always planning the next trip. He loved hunting; especially teaching his grandsons to hunt. Jim held many jobs throughout his career. Most recently he was a Real Estate Developer & Partner with S.E.W. Land Company before retiring. Jim was a member of Franklin Presbyterian Church where he served on Building & Grounds Committee and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. In 2016 he was proud to work with the church to sponsor and coordinate a Model Rocket Program for Youth. He spent his life working with youth and impressed upon others the importance of having youth programs to shape young lives. Mr. Williams is predeceased by his parents, a brother Roy Edward Williams; and a sister Nancy Mae Looper. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years Bonnie Thomason Williams whom he married on September 11, 1982. Also surviving are daughters Cynthia Williams Grant and husband Joe Robert Grant (whom he called his son) of Salisbury; Carolyn Lea Williams of Santa Fe, N.M., and Tammy Dale Rivers of Salisbury; sons Timothy Paul Rivers and James Lee Rivers of Salisbury; Grandsons Christopher James Soveranez and brother Samuel Soveranez of Santa Fe. N.M. and Wesley Blake Rivers of Salisbury; Granddaughters Wendy Grant Kavalir (Charles III) of Miami, Florida and Sandra Grant Beattie (Mike) of Salisbury; Greatgrandchildren Charles Kavalir IV, Grant Alexander Kavalir, and Mackenzie Kay Kavalir of Miami, Florida. He is also survived by brothers Hoyle Albert Williams (Shirley), Joseph Paul Williams (Vickie), Max Ervin Williams (Kathy), Tony Allen Williams (Nita) and Gene Aldie Williams (Tressie); sisters Frances Luphilla Bennett (Al), Jeannie Phebe Ilene Bailey, Mary Evelyn Hill (John), Ora Jeanette Moose (Dwight), Cathy Kay Keener (Ronnie), and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Reverend John Elam for his spiritual guidance and loving friendship; neighbor and brother at heart Leonard & Rosa Allen for being a very special part of his life; The Veterans Administration Hospital in Salisbury, North Carolina for years of health care guidance and treatment; and the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice staff in Salisbury North Carolina for their loving care and support. The visitation will be at Summersett Funeral Home on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Service: There will be a service of celebration of the life of Mr. Williams at Franklin Presbyterian Church, Salisbury, North Carolina on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:30 am with the Reverend John Elam officiating. Burial will follow at the VA National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Boulevard, Salisbury, North Carolina. Military graveside rites will be provided by Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorial donations may be may to Franklin Presbyterian Church, 280 Franklin Church Drive, Salisbury, North Carolina, 28147. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Williams Family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

James Pressley Williams

August 1, 1932 - June 4, 2018