William James, Sr.

William Levi James, Sr. was born on April 24, 1950, to the late Taylor James and Clara McAllister James in Richmond, Virginia. Growing up in Southside Richmond, he was blessed to have an older sister JoAnn, an older brother Charles and a younger sister Debbie. Everyone called him Billy or Bill. His life-journey ended when God called him home the morning of February 25, 2026. Bill was a proud product of Richmond City Schools. After graduating from Armstrong High School in the Class of 1969, he attended Norfolk State College (University) and obtained his bachelor’s degree. He was hired by Richmond Public Schools after graduation and taught special education students for many years. Later, he obtained a master’s degree from Virginia State University. After which, he was an Assistant Principal at John Marshall High School for several years and then he served as principal of Thomas C. Boushall Middle School. He ended his career in education worked at City Hall in Richmond City Public School’s Department of Instruction and oversaw several different programs. He was also a football coach at John F. Kennedy High School for many years. Often, when out and about in Richmond, he would run into students he had once taught or coached, and they all still affectionately referred to him as “Coach.” Bill came to know Christ at a young age and was baptized at Zion Baptist Church, where he also was an usher. As an adult he was a member of Trinity Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School. And later he was a member of Real-Life Ministries. After he retired from the school system, he enjoyed vegetable gardening and lawncare. As a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins/Commanders and the Atlanta Braves, he spent many hours enjoying their games, and arm-chair coaching. Bill was a devoted and loyal husband, father and grandfather. He will always be remembered for his loving adoration and sense of humor. While he loved his wife and sons, it was his grandchildren that lifted his spirit to the sky! Left to cherish loving memories of him are: his wife, Cheri Waddell James; his sons: Craig Lamont James (Kacey) of Loudon County, VA; Lt. Col. Franklin Devon Waddell, MD (Monique) of Sanford, NC; Kristopher William James (Crystal) of Powder Springs, GA; and William Levi James, Jr. (Ann Marie) of Richmond, VA; his grandchildren: Cameron Taylor James, Kelby Kirkland James, Issa Husani Taylor-Vaughn James, Franklin Sebastian Waddell, Kennedy Ryan James, Charleigh Madison James, Oliver Devon Waddell, Kaiden William James, Zora Monique Waddell, Iman King Zion William James and Shameilia, Shakya, and Prince; one brother, Charles Taylor James (Laverne); sister-in-love, Michelle R. Jeanpierre and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and special friends. Humbly submitted in loving memory, The family of William Levi James, Sr.

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William James, Sr.

April 24, 1950 - February 25, 2026