James Samuel Williams Jr.

James S. Williams, Jr., age 100, passed away peacefully on January 14 surrounded by his loving family.  James was born on November 13, 1925, the son of late James S. Williams, Sr. and Anna Dora (Murdock) Williams in Coffee Springs, Alabama and grew up there, working in the cotton fields until he entered the U.S. Army at the age of 18, much against his parent’s wishes. 

He graduated from Coffee Springs High School in 1943, a graduating class of 11 students, 9 girls and 2 boys, he proudly talked about them often, remaining in touch with one right up to November 2025, and at the time of his death James was the last one remaining.

James enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and went on to do his Infantry Training at Fort Hood, TX. He went into WWII immediately after and was a member of the 11 th Armored Division that liberated the concentration camps in Mauthausen, Austria. While in Germany he was wounded when the half-track he and his fellow soldiers were on hit a land mine, and he was awarded a Purple Heart for his bravery. He also received the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Campaign Ribbon, Army of Occupation Medal of Germany and Victory Medal. While stationed at Fort Devens in Ayer, he went to Whalom Skating Rink with some friends where he met the love of his life, Gilda Prencipe, and made Leominster his home. He worked at Giguere Drug Store until he became employed by E.I DuPont for 27 years working as a supervisor; and continued with MiLor for 10 years before retiring. After retirement he became a very familiar face at Victory/Hannaford’s until age 84, it was a job he loved, his customers became his friends.  

A genuine southern soft-spoken, patient gentleman in every way, always a smile for everyone he met. Family was the priority in his life; he was the happiest when he had his family surrounding him for holidays and gatherings. He never forgot his roots, and every year while raising his children, he returned to Alabama with them for two weeks so they all would know the Williams Family, the best childhood memories. 

James is survived by four of his children; Lionel Williams (Janet) of Brooksville, FL, Shirley Reynolds (James) of Leominster -whom were his care givers, Darlene Cloutier (CJ) of Leominster, and Barry Williams (pre deceased Jeanne Reynolds) of Leominster. He also has nine grandchildren: Paula Franciosi (David), Greg Williams, (Deborah), James Reynolds Jr. (Alexis), Kimberly Reynolds (Chris Davis), Kristi Haddaway (Marty), Kerry Tamalavitch (Tom), Karen Piper, Jonathan Williams (Heather), and Sarah Mayer. He also leaves 20 great- grandchildren and 13 great- great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, many of them were able to share his 100 th birthday on November 8. 

He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Gilda (Prencipe) Williams, his son James S. Williams, III, who passed away in a drowning incident in 1967 at the age of 12, his daughter-in-law Jeanne (Reynolds) Williams,  three brothers, William A., James B., and Ralph K. Williams and by six sisters, Ethel Williams, Ruby McWaters, Annie Lay, Alpha Williams, Agnes Schmidt-Altman and Julia Waters.

The family would like to extend a thank you to Summit Elder Care; the doctors, nurses and home health aides for all they have done for the last two years to keep him happy and allow him to remain independent and content in his home. It did not take him long to make and create his own circle of friends that he enjoyed spending his time with them. 

A funeral Mass for James will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St. Leominster, at 11:00 AM at St. Anna Church, 194 Lancaster St., Leominster. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Leo Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours in the funeral home are Tuesday, January 20, 2025  from 5 ~ 7 PM.

www.richarsdonfuneralhome.net

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