GUILDERLAND – William James, Jr., 96, died peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late William and Catherine James and the husband of 67 years to his loving wife Elizabeth Jane Sattler James. He was predeceased by his brother Morgan James. William was born in and lived his entire life in Guilderland. He graduated from Albany High School in 1943 and served proudly in the Army during World War II, surviving the D-Day invasion.
William spent his life in service to his community. He was a life member volunteer fireman at the North Bethlehem Fire Dept for 60 plus years, Life member of the VFW and American Legion. He faithfully decorated graves every Memorial Day at the Prospect Hill Cemetery for over 60 years. When he wasn’t doing volunteer work he enjoyed gardening and flowers. He was a member of the Albany African Violet Society.
William spent most of his career at the Voorheesville Depot working for the Federal Government as an inspector. After retiring he drove a school bus for the Guilderland Central School District.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children, Carol Benson (Robert), William James, III (Andrea Lawton) , Rita Jones(Bill Lieberman), and Philip James; five grandchildren, Philip Benson, Sarah Hutchings (Bill), Adam, Dirck (Whitney) and Kirstan Jones; seven great grandchildren: Philip, Evalyn, and Landon Benson, Lily and William Hutchings, and Dirck and Carter James; his niece Ginny James, and his nephews Morgan and David James.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at Hans Funeral Home 1088 Western Ave on Friday, June 7th from 4-8 p.m. A celebratory service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service at Prospect Hill Cemetery with military honors.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in William’s name to the Fisher House (for Veterans and their families), 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Jack and Rebecca Lloyd
Dirck and Whitney, sorry for your loss.
SD
My sincere condolences to the family Williams for the lost of your beloved father, that our God Jehovah brings peace and comfort to your lives during this time of sadness Psalms 46:1,
Mary E. Bender
My deepest sympathy to Bill’s family & friends ,he will be missed. He was always kind & respectful to me & a fine gentleman.Rest in peace,Bill.
Donna Bogle
Flesh is Time dancing on a clock.
And Time is the magic length of God.
Leonard Cohen
Lamporte
I know I speak for the members of Abanaqua chapter #745 in expressing our condolences for the loss of your Dad.
WP Rich Lamporte
Lamporte
See above
Noel Tillman
Carol and family, hold on to those positive memories. Those are the stories you’ll want to share with your grandchildren. Noel
Don McCumber
Phil-I am very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I remember many great times with you and your parents as we grew up. Rest In Peace Soldier.
Joy and John Sacco
So very sorry for your loss. Prayer for your family
Stephen Hall
My Sympathies and Condolences to the James Family….
Stephen Hall
Lynn and Wayne LaFave
Phil and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Fond memories of him over the years, from being good friends with my grandparents to being the neighborhood bus driver, to name a few. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Bill McCumber
Phil and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Your dad was a great man and I have fond memories of him as I grew up in the neighborhood. He will truly be missed.
Dorothy Raymond
My sincerest condolences to the James family on the loss of Bill. He was a long time member of the Capital District African Violet Society and delighted in manning our education table at the annual show. We will miss him.
Bob and Sharon Faulkner
Always very difficult to say goodbye to your father. He raised his children to be kind and honorable and there is no greater legacy than that. His love lives on in you.
Sarah Steed
So sorry to hear of William’s passing
Bruce Gould
Jane, Bill, Carol,Rita and Phil….sorry to here about Bill, he was a good guy and will be missed…Bruce Gould
Kris Kessler
We are very sorry for you loss. The silver lining is that Phil is living near New York and can visit with the grandkids to hear all the stories of their great-grandfather. Thinking of all of you.
Kris and Paul
"Alice"
I’m not sure what even made me look this up today, but I just wanted to say that Bill was my bus driver 30 plus years ago. I have very fond memories of riding the bus with him behind the wheel. He was such a kind man. Bill brought us to Stewarts for ice cream and even gave us chocolates for Christmas (which as a kid, meant the world). I just wanted to put it out into the universe that what he did for us kids mattered and I still remember him fondly and well. RIP and thank you, Bill. My condolences to your family.