James T. Williams Sr.

Rev. James Tyrone Williams, Sr., a man of profound faith, dedicated service, and extraordinary musical gift, peacefully departed this earth on March 30, 2026, at 12:01 PM.

A Life in Harmony and Faith
Music was the heartbeat of James’s life, a passion ignited in Mount Hope, West Virginia, where at just 13 years old, he was the youngest member of the men’s glee club. Gifted with a remarkable ear and a versatile range spanning from tenor to bass, he mastered a vast repertoire including Opera, Gospel, and Negro Spirituals. James dedicated much of his life to sharing this gift, both as an educator at Londerays and West Virginia State College, and as a performer alongside the late Dr. Prince Ahmed Williams and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Rev. J.T. shared this gift with his community as a talented choir director, leading voices in harmony and spirit.

A devoted mentor, ‘Rev. J.T.’ was passionate about passing on his craft to the younger generation. He taught his nephews the art of vocal projection and trained young musicians, including his son and daughter, to listen for the subtle nuances of specific notes and tones, ensuring they understood the soul of every instrument they played. His legacy of song and precision will continue to resonate through the many lives he touched.

His voice was also his vessel for the Word of God. Rev. Williams served as a dedicated preacher, establishing and leading his own church in Huntington, West Virginia. After moving to Ohio to be with his family, he continued his calling as a vital member of the ministerial clergy at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Forest Park, where his wisdom and spirit touched many lives.
Service of History and Culture Beyond song and sermon, James was a captivating storyteller. To school-aged children, he was affectionately known as “Da Boogah Man,” a title drawn from the Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar. He used these stories and his mastery of dialect to educate younger generations on the richness and nuances of Black culture.

In 1962, James enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a flight engineer on the KC-97 Stratofreighter while stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada. He also performed critical maintenance on the B-52 Stratofortress bomber—both models are proudly displayed today at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Following his service, he continued his commitment to his country as a representative for United States Veterans.

Craftsmanship and Family
James was a true artisan with a zest for woodwork and carpentry, and a passion for making and collecting guns and knives.
He was the son of the late Hugh R. Williams, II, and Goldie Mae Ritchie Williams. He was preceded in death by his siblings Barbara Wingfield and Hugh Williams, III.
His legacy of strength lives on through his children: Dr. Mia Laverne Williams Burnett (Brian Constantine Burnett, Sr.) and James Tyrone Williams, II. He was the doting grandfather to Brian Constantine Burnett, II, Simone Olivia Burnett, and Lydia Camille Burnett. He is also survived by his sisters, Belva J. Waller and Sandra M. Haynes, and a host of family and friends.

Service Information
• Visitation: Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at
Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, 10998 Southland Blvd., Forest Park, OH 45240
• Funeral Service: May 7, 2026, 12:00 PM at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
• Interment: Retained by Family with Full Military Honors

2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

I Asked the Lord
Written by Johnny Lange and Jimmy Duncan, but sang beautifully by our dad…

I asked the Lord to comfort me when things weren’t going my way; He said to me, “I will comfort thee, And drive your cares away.”
I asked the Lord to walk with me, when darkness was all I could see; He said to me, “Never be afraid, for I will dwell with thee.”
I did not ask for riches; He gave me wealth untold; The moon, the stars, the sun, the sky, And gave me eyes to behold.
I thank the Lord for everything, and I count my blessings each day; He came to me when I needed Him, I only had to pray.
And He’ll come to you if you ask Him to, He’s only a prayer away.”

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