The Life Story of James Harvey Williams

James H. Williams entered eternal rest on Thursday May 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his last two daughters Dawn and Erna. He was born on November 10, 1940, in Middletown, Delaware (Red Row), to the late Arneda and James Williams Sr. He was one of 14 children.

He received his early education at the 120C School in Middletown, Delaware. From a young age, “Jimmy” loved sports and participated enthusiastically. While attending Louis L. Redding School, he played football, basketball, and baseball for the Redding teams. Although he excelled in all three, football was his favorite. His extraordinary strength earned him the nickname “Brodi,” as he was known for repeatedly putting the opposing side “to sleep.”

On Christmas Eve in 1960, James married the love of his life, Ethel Saunders. Together they were blessed with six children: Keith, Midge, Janel, James Jr. (Chico), Dawn, and Erna. As a young father, James worked hard and remained devoted to providing for his family. Over the years, he was employed at Hercules and with the Town of Middletown. He later earned his CDL and spent several years driving tractor-trailers across the country for his older brother Charles Butcher, until the business closed. Soon after, his mentor Luther Walker Sr., visited him with an application for a position with the Appoquinimink School District, where James retired after 30 years as a groundskeeper in 2002.

James was affectionately known throughout the community as “Mr. Jim” or “Jimmy.” He was the person many turned to when something needed to be repaired, especially during times when money was scarce. He fixed bicycles for neighborhood children, repaired kerosene heaters and appliances, cut lawns, worked on cars, and helped lift those who could not walk. Even when he was not working, James made sure his children and other young people in the community had positive activities to keep them balanced and out of trouble. He opened the after-school Lake Street shop, where adolescents could play pool, enjoy pinball, and spend time together as long as they were respectful. He also generously volunteered his time by opening the Redding gym and cafeteria for school dances, helping provide safe and enjoyable spaces for the youth of Middletown.

Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Middletown, Delaware, until the passing of his wife. He then moved to Smyrna, Delaware, to live with his daughter Midge and her husband, Norm, until Midge’s passing in 2014. After that, James made his home with his daughter Dawn and her husband, Hector Ortiz, where he remained until his passing.

Jimmy’s legacy lives on through his daughters, Dawn Rowe-Ortiz and Erna Williams; his son-in-love, Hector Ortiz; and his son adopted in heart, James Woods. He is also lovingly remembered by his granddaughters, Janel Williams (Fuge), Stacia Williams, Debonee’ Rowe, Shannon Shotwell, and Iyanna Woods; his grandsons, Dajuan Rowe (Tamara), James Williams, and Ronald Wright; and his great-grandchildren, Serenity Young, Kalin Thompson, Charles Young, Karmen Thompson, and Marley Rowe.

He is also survived by two sisters, Joan Daniels and Sandra Haman; one brother, Eugene Williams (Delta); one brother-in-law, William Saunders; two sisters-in-law, LaTwayne Saunders and May Saunders; one aunt-in-law, Barbara Cale; two goddaughters, Renee’ Jefferson and Lynn Ringgold; longtime friends Winnie Backus, Dana Brinkley, Pat Cooke, Janice Henry, and Evelyn Raison; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

The Family would like to say “Thank You” for the many flowers, cards, calls, nourishments and visits that we received doing our time of Bereavement. Special Thanks to Dover Bay Health staff and Joyce Obeng and the Comfort Care staff.

A viewing will be held on Saturday May 30 from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at Dale United Methodist Church, 143 East Lake St. Middletown, DE, where a Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 PM.  Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah UAME Church Cemetery, 516 Old Summit Bridge Rd. Middletown, DE.