From the emotions exhibited by those in attendance on October 23 at James Williams’ memorial, he was well liked and is widely missed. Friends from across the campus gathered at a well-attended “celebration of the life of James Williams,” many recounting stories that highlighted the humor with which Williams lived his life.

James, who was born on October 2, 1946, had suffered from poor health recently and had undergone a liver transplant over the summer, and had died on July 11 from a kidney failure.

Williams had received his degree in Human Services from the College of Public and Community Service in 1996, where he had also worked as an Administrative Assistant for the College’s Assessment program, where he acted as a counselor, advocate and mentor to incoming students.

In 1997 Williams had been promoted to the position of Coordinator of Advising at CPCS.

An older student who had already seen much of life, Williams was working toward a Master’s Degree at UMB’s Graduate College of Education at the time of his death.

Though it was a busy day, with many other meetings occurring at the time, friends made sure they found the time to attend the memorial.

Speakers at the Williams’ memorial included: Sylvia Mignon, Cuf Ferguson, and Ann Withorn, all of CPCS, and Emilie Steele, CPCS retired. Opening remarks were delivered by Sarah Bartlett, CPCS, who also prepared his obituary and contributed to this article. Closing remarks were given by Ismael Ramirez-Soto, Dean, CPCS.

Charolette Lumpkins provided touching renditions of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” and “I’ll Fly Away.”

Joseph Panciotti, Undergraduate Student Senate President, also spoke during the ceremony. “It was a nice ceremony,” Panciotti later remarked. Panciotti and other senators had excused themselves from a regularly scheduled senate meeting to be in attendance.

Suzanne Allmendinger, a CPCS staff member, remembered Williams fondly, saying, “James was a real advocate for students, in meetings he always spoke up and said, ‘How will this impact students?””

Williams is survived by his mother, Doris Williams, San Francisco, CA, his father, James Williams, Boston, MA, and his life partner, Lillian (Wendy) Johnson. Also remaining are his three stepdaughters, Carla Johnson, Paula Porcher, and Regina Johnson, plus two grandchildren and twelve step-granchildren.

Those who wish to contribute memorial gifts in the name of Williams may do so by making out a check to University of Massachusetts Boston and sending it out to Suzanne Allmendinger, UMass Boston–CPCS, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125.