Billy James Obituary

Billy Irvin James passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on October 7, 1929, in Greenville County, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Jimmy James and Helen C. James. Billy proudly served his country in the Korean War and earned the rank as Sergeant First Class in the United States Army. Upon his return, he dedicated his career as an Overseer at the Parker Plant for JP Stevens, where he demonstrated unwavering commitment and strong work ethic throughout his tenure. Billy was united in marriage to Margaree Smith Hall on February 5, 1955,and together they raised two cherished daughters and shared a life of love for 70 years. Dunean United Methodist Church was a special place to Billy and his wife in the early years of their marriage but later found their church family at West Gantt First Baptist Church, now known as The Church of West Gantt, His faith and community was a source of strength and inspiration during his life. In his leisure time, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of working outdoors in his yard and garden. He found peace and connection with nature. His life was guided by the principles articulated in "Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." and "Matthew 6:19-21, Lay not up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." These verses resonated deeply with his values and approach to life. Billy is survived by his devoted wife, Margaree S. James; two daughters, Linda Diane Watson and Jean McDowell (Robert); four grandchildren, Randy and Reed Watson, Shana McDowell Gulish and Jennifer McDowell; six great-grandchildren, Alex, Sydney, Ella and Hannah Watson, and Abigail and Jeffrey Gulish; three brothers, Douglas James (Annie), Jerry James (Jane), and Ben James (Barbara); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, Jack James; and two sisters, Mina Fulp and Elizabeth Patterson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McCall Hospice House or The Church at West Gantt. A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at The Church at West Gantt, with funeral services at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. The burial will take place in Graceland East Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Billy with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".