Rev. James Williams, age 89, of Monroe, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Fountain View of Monroe, surrounded by his family.

James was born September 22, 1936 in Gibson Station, Virginia, he was the son of Robert and Anne Williams. He married Shirley D. McCarty October 6, 1956, they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in just a few weeks.

He was a machine operator at the General Motors Fleetwood Plant in Detroit for many years before his retirement in 1994. He then went on to work for Jefferson Schools for 10 years.

While working a full-time job and raising a family he felt the calling to share the word of God and became a pastor. He pastored at the Flat Rock Church of God starting in 1979 and continued to preach to his congregation for the next 47 years, never fully retiring.

He loved people, spending time talking with others and learning about them and enjoyed reading when he could. He was a devoted family man; he treasured the time he spent with them. His grandchildren meant the world to him; he was their #1 fan and made sure he attended all of their sporting events he could to cheer them on and support them.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; four children, mark Williams of Lewiston, Debbie (Tom) Centers of Monroe, Mike Williams of LaSalle and David (Heather) Williams of Monroe; seven grandchildren, Adam (Jenn), Matthew (Kylie), Rebecca, Baylee, Austin, Cameryn and Raven and six great grandchildren, Oakley, Leighton, Xavier, Cruise, Nalani and Nylo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until funeral services begin at 2 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2026 at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe. Rev. Bobby Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle.

Memorial contributions in Pastor’s memory are suggested to Flat Rock Church of God.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.