James Williams

JAMES “PICK” WILLIAMS was born on June 26, 1948, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to Cornelia Williams and Booker Hoagan. James was named after his grandfather. His two sisters, Gwendolyn McCarty and Settie Hoey, along with a host of loved ones, preceded him in death over the years.

He was raised by his mother, Cornelia Williams, and his aunt, Viola Oldham—two strong Black women who were instrumental in shaping his life and belief system. He was also blessed to have many other role models who influenced his journey.

James was educated through the Saint Louis Public Schools system and attended Eugene Field Elementary and Charles Sumner High School. His dedication to learning led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), commuting by bus each day to attend. He later went on to earn a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Webster University.

“Nenne,” as Cornelia was affectionately known, and “Nanny,” as Viola was called, remained constant sources of love and encouragement throughout his life. Their support would prove invaluable as James went on to inspire, motivate, and serve others in his work as a social worker.

For years, James worked with the Memory and Aging Disease Center for Alzheimer’s research, sponsored by Washington University at a satellite location. He focused his efforts primarily on serving the African American community—helping identify, diagnose, and connect individuals with supportive services. James once shared, “Alzheimer’s affects the African American population at a higher rate,” underscoring his passion for advocacy and education.

His commitment to this cause earned him numerous awards and recognitions throughout the Saint Louis area, including the ADRC African Americans Memory and Aging Research Award and a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives for his work with Alzheimer’s Disease. Most notably, he was named the 2012 Friedman Award Winner by Washington University.

James was also deeply committed to the health and wellness of the community. He served as a fitness trainer for the YMCA for 14 years. Doctors later remarked that his strong physical condition—maintained through years of consistent training—contributed to his ability to endure various health challenges.

His devotion extended far beyond his professional life. James was a lifelong member of Beloved Community United Methodist Church (formerly LaSalle United Methodist Church), his family’s spiritual home. Throughout the years, he faithfully served in many roles, including Trustee, Treasurer, Lay Minister, member of the United Methodist Men’s Ministry, Church Choir, Administrative Council, and Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. Whatever the church needed—James was there. Even when his health began to decline, he continued to attend Sunday worship whenever he could.

James was a true believer. No matter what he was going through, his assurance remained the same: “It is in God’s hands.” His message was also clear: “(One day) at the name of God, every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

James transitioned peacefully from this life late on the night of June 4, 2025, in his home, with his wife by his side. He now rests in the arms of God.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jacqueline; his son, Jason Williams; brother-in-law, Richard Perry; two grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children; and many cousins, friends, loved ones, and associates.

James Williams was truly a man of God and a man of honor. We will miss him.

His Lord said unto him, well done, Good and Faithful Servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of Thy Lord.

Matthew 25:23