William W. (Bill) James Sr.

William W. (Bill) James Sr., 94, of Durango, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at his residence. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in Cook-Gerngross-Green-Patterson Funeral Home in Rosebud. John Michalak will officiate. Burial will follow at Carolina Cemetery in Durango.

Mr. James was born May 18, 1929 in Chilton to William Robert and Catherine Tull James. He graduated from Lott High School, attended Baylor University and graduated from Texas A&M University. He married Jenna Thrasher on November 25, 1951.  He served in the U.S. Navy and worked for Lengefeld Lumber Company in Temple and ICF Builders in Golinda. He was a member of the Rosebud Church of Christ.

He is survived by 3 sons, Joe James and wife Pat, Willie James and wife Kelly both of Durango and Mickey James and wife Francis of Chilton, 1 daughter, Jamie Ratliff and husband Herman of Durango, 1 brother, Howell James of Durango, 22 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, 1 son, Marshall Lee James and 2 sisters, Robbie Wagner and Mary Ethel James.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.