William "Bill" James Sr., age 88, of Brownwood passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the VFW Post in Brownwood, Texas

Bill was born May 7, 1935, in Charlotte, NC.  He married the love of his life Alice Fay James on August 31, 1965, and raised 5 children.  Mr. James has been a resident of Brownwood, Texas for 40 years.

Bill is a retired Navy Veteran with 20 years of service.  He loved telling stories of his military years and the love he had for this country.  He lived an active life and loved getting in his truck for a daily trip to Brookshire's or to head down to the VFW to play the slots and visit fellow vets and staff.  He also loved fishing, a good garage sale and the Dallas Cowboys.  He was a loving dad and sacrificed so much to make sure his children were taken care of.  He was a loving papaw who always had a "little something" in his billfold when a grandchild was around.  Every person that crossed his path was just a friend he hadn't met yet.  He will forever be in our hearts, and we will miss his humor, love, compassion, and generosity.

Bill is survived by his children; Lisa James Julius of Brownwood, Robert Glen James of Brownwood, Theresa "Cissy" James Byrom and husband Lance Byrom of Austin; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Sarah Bedford and husband Pete and their children, Cali, Brookie, Sky and Ady of Australia, Eddie James and his children Chloe and Marcus of Palestine, Chelsye Jackson and her husband Jarrod Jackson and their children Kynleigh and Berkleigh of Bangs, Shelby Julius and her children Kenzie and Nik of Sherman, Bryan James and his children Beaux and Rory, Shane Speer of Austin, Skyler Speer and his children Emma, Amelia and Andrew of Louisiana.  Audrye Thomas and husband Hunter and their son Dawson of Abilene.  He is also survived by step grandchildren, Alex Valles and husband Joan and children Aniyah and Christian, Ashley Perkins and husband Curtis and their children Isaiah, Aubrey and Ian, Roy Maldonado and his children Jaydon, Adalina and Armani, Ricardo Maldonado and his children Tayte, Mabli, and Nova along with many friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Alice Fay James, sons William "Billy" James Jr. and Charles Waldheim.

The family would like to thank the VFW for all the love, support, and friendship throughout the years.