Pastor James Paris Williams Jr.

James Paris Williams Jr. was lovingly called home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 31, 2017 surrounded by family and close friends. James was born to the late Reverend James Paris Williams Sr. and Lillie Earline Olds on May 2, 1950. James grew up in the Crestwood neighborhood of Chesapeake and graduated from Crestwood High School in 1968. Upon graduation, James attended the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, now known as Norfolk State University. “J.P.”, as he was affectionately called, became employed by General Electric where he formed many lifelong relationships. He also enjoyed a career as a Vocational Training Specialist at Southeastern Vocational Technical Training Center. James was a product of a devout Christian home and he accepted Christ at an early age. As he grew in the Lord, James’ call to ministry was evident and his father and pastor licensed him in 1981. James studied the Word of God intently and strived to live his life pleasing to God daily. He worked diligently in the Ministry for over 35 years, including Pastor of New Covenant Christian Church. While serving the Lord as a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, James met Rhonda Deborah Mathis in April 1992 and they were joined in holy matrimony in August of the same year. In 1997, James and his family joined Bethel Temple Church under the leadership of Apostle Earl C. Hinton Sr. where he served as an Elder, Minister, Teacher, and member of the Men’s Choir for many years. At Bethel Temple, James discovered his love for Prison Ministry. Because of his desire to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, James was promoted to Elder of the Jail and Prison Ministry where he successfully oversaw a multitude of ministry volunteers. James and Rhonda began baking out of their home and started Great Cakes & Things in 2000. The business grew rapidly and they moved into their first building in 2005 and became known as The Cake Place. J.P. was an avid reader who owned a plethora of books on various topics. He also was a skilled Scrabble player and enjoyed playing with anyone who was up for the challenge, especially his good friend, Charles Sizemore. James loved his family deeply and would do anything for them. Above all, James Paris Williams Jr. loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. He was a man of great faith, even in the face of adversity and opposition. Although saddened by the absence of him on Earth, we are sure of this one thing: he is indeed present with the Lord. James was preceded in death by his parents, James P. Williams Sr. and Lillie Olds Williams; and three siblings, Brenda L. Gordon, Christina D. Rouson, and Carlton I. Williams. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 25 years, Rhonda D. Williams; one son, Sean C. Williams; three daughters, Shonda G. Anthony, Leah Y. Williams, and Christian J. Williams; one stepson, Terrance Blount; three brothers, Glen E. Williams, David P. Williams, and Sherman E. Williams; one sister, Carolyn Y. Williams; two aunts, Bernice Smith and Vivian Lamb; one uncle, Rudolph Olds; eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends.

Pastor James Paris Williams Jr.

May 2, 1950 - August 31, 2017