James Francis Williams Jr. of Rancho Santa Margarita, California passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025 at the age of 61 after a long and courageous battle with ALS.

James was born the youngest of six children on December 16, 1963 in Dayton, Ohio. James Sr. and Maacha Williams quickly realized they were parents to a force of nature who would surprise and delight them with his keen sense of observation and an uncanny way with words. His love of language helped him excel in school and earned him a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California Irvine and a master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Florida.

After graduating it wasn’t long before James began to blend his writing talent with his love of all things Apple to create cutting edge communications and marketing programs for the Orange County Transportation Authority and other organizations. His pioneering work included combining stunning visual arts with compelling messaging on the newly introduced Worldwide Web, reaching huge audiences with the push of a button, for the first time in history. His fearless approach to this emerging technology was revolutionary in its day.

In August of 2007, James was hired as the senior vice president of Marketing and Communications for Shea Properties, an Orange County based company where his career flourished. He attributed his success to the company’s values, its visionary management and the talented team of professionals he worked with. He absolutely loved his job.

James was blessed with a loving family and many friends. On October 31, 1992, he married the love of his life, Boo. Always one, Bim and Boo. Together raised their beautiful daughter, Olivia. James excelled at being a girl dad, giving “Livvie” a love of golf and Star Wars. She was his pride and joy.

James was an avid golfer, music aficionado, and a diehard Angels fan. He was kind, generous and loyal to all he called friends. He had a wonderful witty sense of humor. He was self effacing, quick to blush and always there to lend a hand when the going got tough. We will miss him, but Heaven just welcomed the best team player ever.

James is survived by his wife, Boo; daughter, Olivia; mother, Maacha (James Sr., deceased); sisters, Jami (husband Terrence, deceased), Teri (husband Todd), Lesa (partner Ben), Paula, Jenny (husband Alan); brother-in-law Michael (wife Rayna); sister-in-law Charmaine (partner Jon); fourteen nieces and nephews; and a large number of extended family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Kilian Church in Mission Viejo, CA on August 28, 2025 at 10:30am with burial to follow at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, CA. A reception will be held at Oso Creek Golf Course in Mission Viejo, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to ALS Therapy Development Institution or Augie’s Quest using link https://als.net/jameswilliams