James McWilliams Obituary

James R. McWilliams, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024 at his home in Syracuse, NY at the age of 76. Born in Oak Hill, Alabama to the late Roosevelt McWilliams and L.V. Johnson, James relocated to Syracuse, NY where he became a resident for the past 36 years. He was a retired factory and steel tradesman who worked for Oberdorfer Pumps and Crucible Industries in Syracuse, NY. James "Big Daddy" McWilliams was a die-hard Baltimore Ravens fan who followed the original Cleveland Browns when they made their move to Baltimore, MD.
He was predeceased by his parents, Roosevelt and L.V.; grandmother, Pearlie Ward who raised him from a very young age; brothers, Leroy and Roosevelt McWilliams, Jr.; stepson, James "Jimmy" E. McLaurin; and two children, Rosalind and James N. McWilliams.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Shirley A. McWilliams; his brother, Paul (Yvonne) McWilliams; sisters, Sandra, Mary, Johnnie Mae, and Ramona; his son, Larone (Melody) Hill; daughter, Shereen C. McWilliams; step-sons, Curtis (Dawn), Robert, Duane "DD", and Rodney Mclaurin, all of Syracuse, NY; his cherished grandchildren, Shirlitra McWilliams, Yasin and Claudejah Whitted, Heaven and Rain Sigler, and great-grandchildren, Sapphire "Sapphy" R. Williams, Jaylen Thompson, and Nollayjah "LayLay" Neeley. Additionally, James has several other surviving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear family members, and childhhod friends who reside between the states of Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Alabama.
With all due respect there will be no scheduled calling hours and there will not be a traditional funeral service or repast as the grieving family has respectfully decided to hold a private memorial gathering to include immediate family members only. If anyone desires to express their condolences to the family by sending flowers, a card, or a memorial donations please send your expressions of sympathy to Shirley A. McWilliams, 211 McKinley Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13205.