James Douglas Williams, 84, of Neptune, NJ passed away on August 2, 2016.  He was a native of Selma, AL and was born on February 23, 1932.  James and his three siblings were raised by his parents, Charles and Alice Williams.  His early childhood began in the Dallas County school system, with subsequent completion of his secondary education at R.B. Hudson High School in Selma, AL.

Upon graduation from high school, James entered the U.S. Army commencing a 21 year career of honorable service for his Country.  He enrolled in the U.S. Army Signal School and graduated as a Telecommunications Engineer.  His tours of duty included Korea, Viet Nam, Germany, Italy, Okinawa, and Fort Monmouth, NJ.  He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.  The U.S. Army awarded James a Bronze Star for Valor during the Viet Nam War.

While on military leave, James met Eleanor Jackson of Harlem, New York.    James and Eleanor united in holy matrimony on August 29, 1961.   He retired from the Army in 1974, and settled in Neptune, NJ with his wife.

James continued his professional career as a Telecommunications Engineer for Siemens Corporation in Iselin, NJ.  While working at Siemens, he began investing in real estate in Monmouth County.  After retiring from Siemens, James started a telecommunications engineering firm, Douglas Electronic.  He continued real estate investing and became a licensed real estate broker.  He also obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from Brookdale Community College in New Jersey.

After settling in Neptune, James embarked upon a robust mission of service to the community.  He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, which provided the foundation for his Christian spiritual development and service.  James joined Martin Luther King Presbyterian Church and served numerous roles in the Church including Sunday School Teacher, and Elder.  James worked tirelessly on the Church's building fund campaign that resulted in the erection of the Church's current location, 15 Memorial Drive Neptune, NJ.  He also served on the Monmouth County Presbyterian Committee of Ministry.

James community activism included a leadership role for the Neptune Democratic Party.  He served as a District 19 Election Leader for the Neptune Democratic party.  His work with the Democratic Party ultimately led to the election of the first African American as Mayor of Neptune, Lawrence M. Lawson.  Mayor Lawson's election ultimately led to his nomination and confirmation as a Superior Court Judge for Monmouth County.  James often stated that one of his proudest moments was watching Judge Lawrence sworn in as the first African American Judge in Monmouth County.

As a native of Selma, AL James experienced Jim Crow discrimination and racism on a first-hand basis.  The bitter taste of the discrimination that he had experienced growing up in Selma compelled him into service on behalf of the NAACP.   James served as Membership Chairman of the NAACP Neptune/Asbury Park Branch for over 30 years.  His longtime service on behalf of the NAACP ultimately culminated in the NAACP Hall of Fame Award on February 25, 2012.

James' hobbies included traveling, gardening, camping, and fishing. However, his favorite hobby was golf.  He traveled along the East Coast to play in golf tournaments with a trusted group of friends.

He volunteered as a house builder for Habitat for Humanity, and he served as a mentor for African American boys in the Monmouth County Family Court mentorship program.  James' ultimate love was for his family.  He was a pillar of strength for relatives and hosted numerous family holidays and summer barbecues.

James firmly believed in selflessly helping others without expecting anything in return, and instilled this principle in his children and family members.  His purpose-driven life of service to his Church and Community provided a strong role model for his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Alice Williams; brother, Jim Williams; and sister, Beulah Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Williams; two sons, James Douglas Williams, Jr and Anthony Williams; daughter in-law, Claudia Williams; brother, Lorenzo Williams; cousin, Eleanor Warren; sister in- law, Gladys Roberts; brother in-law, Hudson Jackson; numerous grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.