James Eri Williams, 94, of Centerville, Ind. and formerly of New Paris, Ohio passed away Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 at Arbor Trace in Richmond.

He was born in Knox County Nov. 5, 1914 to James and Edith Bishop Williams. He resided in the Centerville area most of his life.

James was U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a life member and past commander of VFW Post 1108 and the American Legion Post 315 in Richmond. He was also a life member of the American Legion Post 360 in New Paris, Ohio and a life member of the Druids Lodge. He was a retired employee of International Harvester and the Richmond State Hospital.

Survivors include his daughter, Joyce Breeding of Centerville; brother, Paul Williams of Illinois; four sisters, Elizabeth Kinsey and Jean Kinsey of Phoenix, Ariz., JoAnn Bush of Jasper, Pauline Hughes of Patoka; four grandchildren, Marcella Ross, Robert J. Meyer, Angie Wadsworth, Byron “Hank” Wadsworth; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Estelle Williams in 1983, daughter, Linda Wadsworth; three sisters, Lydia Bryant, Leona Hasse, Charlotte Ford; and two brothers, Lester and Albert Williams.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday Aug. 23, 2009 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with the Rev. Greg Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Patoka. V.F.W. Post 1147 will conduct military graveside services.

Visitation will be from noon until service time on Sunday.