- Date Of Birth: March 8, 1951
- Date Of Death: November 27, 2017
- State: Illinois
James Clinton Williams was born to Cleo and Johnnie Williams, Sr. on March 8, 1951 in Indianola, Mississippi.
James graduated from Marshall High School in Chicago, Illinois. James enlisted In the United States Army in 1974. During his Army service James was a Private, and worked as a Military Police Officer. James was proud of his Military service, and the ‘brotherhood’ relationships he developed during this time. James received an Honorable Discharge on October 30th 1978.
James completed fours years at The University of Illinois Chicago and majored in Applied Psychology.James’ conferred degrees – Bachelors of Arts, in Management from National Louis University, Master Degree in Health Science, and Addictions Studies from Governors State University. Additionally, he was certified as an Alcohol Drug Counselor with The Illinois Counselor Certification board.
James received many trainings, and certifications in Leadership, Counseling, Cultural Competence, Program Management, Data Analysis, Research; and Military Police Operations while he served in the US Army.
James was committed and dedicated to the causes and mission to serve his community and improve the psychological and physical conditions of African-Americans. He spent over 30 years of service working with Behavior Research Action In Social Sciences Foundation, Inc. (BRASS III) and Human Resources Development Institute, (HRDI – merged The BRASS Foundation) in the roles of counselor and Program Director.
James achieved and demonstrated excellence in Management, budgeting, Clinical Research, including group effectiveness, and these results were published in HRDI “The Pulse”.
James’ ideas, frame of reference and world-view was shaped by the values he learned from his parents and family, as well as other, clinician/ friends in the field of Mental Health such as Dr. Kenneth Rivers, Psychiatrist (Mentor & Friend) Dr. Jacob Carruthers, and Dr. Bobby E. Wright, Psychologist.
James was passionate about the state of the Black Family in Society. A Black StudiesScholar, Activist, prolific writer, publishing many papers and writings on Substance use Disorders, The Black Family, politics, and other themes he held dear.
James was a behavioral health professional, management consultant, writer and novelist.
James’ proudest written accomplishment was his recent published 2016 book, “Crossing Dry Rivers”. He was in the process of writing his second book. Most important, James loved his family, brothers and sisters, and had profound Love and devotion for his daughter Candace Anoa Williams. He proudly proclaimed, “I named her after two great queens of Africa, Queen Candace and Queen Anoa”. So very proud also, James was of his grandsons Demari and Caden, who affectionately called their Granddad “Big Daddy”. Demari’s academic excellence and high achieving grades made him very proud. James had had written Japanese notes in his home o with correlated interpretations. There is no doubt, James was planning to banter and communicate in Japanese with his grandson, an advanced Japanese language Arts student. Caden, a smart and wonderful 5 years old, full of energy, and whom he had high hopes for his high achievements as well.
James was brilliant, gregarious, a serious-minded, no-nonsense man. He loved his life, family and service to others. James was fond of nature and horticulture, evident by his exemplary skills in gardening and landscaping. James’ home is filled inside and out with beautiful plants and shrubs he himself planted and nurtured.
James was preceded in death by both parents, and a brother Johnnie L. Williams, Jr.
James leaves to mourn, cherish and celebrate his life and legacy: His beloved daughter Candace Anoa Williams (Stepdaughters: Cherell, Katherine, and Carla), Grandsons – Demari Stacker and Caden Williams. Brothers – Lewis, Isaiah (Ruby), Samuel, and Terry; Sisters: Lou Emma, Ida, and Cleora (David) and Bettie. An Eternal Friend – Cecelia, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
