Ronnie James

Ronald Felix “Ronnie” James, longtime resident of the Williston Community, retired plumber and husband of Leslie James died Thursday morning, January 17, 2013 at his residence. He was 61 years of age and died following a brief illness.

Services of Remembrance for Mr. James were conducted at 4 P.M. Sunday, January 20th at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Bro. Gary Joyner of Williston officiating. Interment was private and arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. James was born January 29, 1951 in Memphis, the son of Joe Felix James and Francis Napper James. He received his education in the Shelby County Public School System, where he graduated from high school. Mr. James was a lifelong resident of Fayette and Shelby Counties and had resided in the Williston Community for the past 37 years. He was a self-employed plumber for much of his life before retiring for health reasons.

An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer, turkey and squirrel hunting, Mr. James was a familiar figure in hunting circles throughout Fayette County. He served as a mentor to a number of younger people who were taught hunting and gun skills so that they too might enjoy this favorite pastime. He was a Christian and also enjoyed vegetable gardening as long as health permitted.

Mr. James is survived by his wife of 19 years, Leslie Hancock Kennamer James of Williston; three daughters, Holly Murrell of Memphis, Jamie Elrod of Somerville, Ashley Kennamer of Somerville; two sons, Heath James of Somerville, Brent James of Whiteville; his mother, Francis Napper of Somerville; his father, Joe James of Williston; his sister, Pam Hazel of Memphis; three brothers, Bill James of Walls, MS, David James of Memphis, Mike James of Somerville; and five grandchildren.

The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.