James E. Williams

James Edward Williams, well known as "Jacko" passed away from this life on Thursday, April 13, 2023. The last farewell will be shared with family and friends at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Williams Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny C. Harris, as the eulogist. The public may pay respects on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery. Nephews and close friends will serve as active pallbearers.

“Jacko” was born to the union of Annie Bell and Roger Williams on November 3, 1950, in Junction City, Louisiana. At a youthful age he relocated to Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

He played football while attending grade school at Peake in Arkadelphia. He then furthered his talents through Job Corps. He worked with his hands and was not afraid of hard work. He was employed with Petit Jean Poultry, later retiring after dedicating 40 years at Bowen’s Restaurant.

“Jacko” enjoyed being the life of the party. He loved a good pot of greens and onions, entertainment, dancing, watching the Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorback. He enjoyed listing to Blues, Jazz, R&B, and Soul music with his favorite artist being James Brown. “Jacko” loved the kids! He enjoyed spending time with his brothers and sister, but always found himself with the “younger crowd” playing tricks and telling jokes!

“Jacko” departed this life to live eternally with his heavenly Father. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cornelius and Gradie Miner, his father, Roger Williams; his mother, Annie Bell Williams (2015); his brothers, Robert D. Williams (2017), Raymond Miner, and David Williams; his aunts, Grazella “Grace” Cummings (2012), and Gracie Williams Bradford; his uncles, John “JC” Cummings (2013), BJ Williams, and George Williams.

He leaves not to mourn, but to cherish his fond memories in the hearts and minds of his sister, Wanda A. (Floyd) Stephens of Arkadelphia, AR; three brothers, Joseph “Joe” Williams of Pine Bluff, AR; John A. Newborn of Arkadelphia, AR and Gary Paul Williams of El Dorado, AR. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Like-A-Mother, Laura Tate, special friend, Eula Golden, the Gum Springs Community, and a host of other friends.