James Preston Williams, 76, of Bay City, passed away April 7, 2015. He was born October 29, 1938 in Bay City, Texas to Charles Phillip and Dorothy White Williams.

James enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to the beach when younger. He attended Wharton County Junior College after completing high school. He worked on a tugboat for Matagorda Shell and at Texas Gulf Sulphur. James was also employed by Montgomery Ward, Phillips Petroleum and the Texas Penitentiary System. He moved back to Bay City upon retiring in 2005.

In 1985, James married Maria Graciela Ortiz. One of his often shared memories was how Maria played her guitar while they frequently sat on Matagorda Beach. He knew many country roads in different areas of Texas and enjoyed riding around. James loved playing board games, cards and dominoes, and would tease and argue with anyone who would listen.

James is preceded in death by his parents and brother Charles Williams. He is survived by his wife Maria G. Williams; daughter Kelly Lee Schaefer and husband Michael of Prairie Lea, Texas; son Clinton Phillip Williams of Luling, Texas; grandchildren Daniel Phillip Williams, Janna Marie Clay, Staceyann Mae Williams, Wesley Lee Daniels , Jessye Lane Daniels; great grandson Hayden Christopher Gonzales and nieces Susan Williams Parish and Melinda Williams.

The family will receive visitors from 5pm-7pm Thursday April 9 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at Apostolic Pentecostal Church at 10:00am Friday April 10 with Rev. Kevin Blake officiating. Interment will follow at Matagorda Cemetery. Pallbearers are Cody Williams, Dalton Williams, Michael Schaefer, Ignacio Stone, James McCauley and William Hines. Honorary pallbearers are his Whataburger Dominoes Buddies.