James Albert Williams

James Albert Williams, 85, of Mexico, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Heritage Hall Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing in Centralia, Missouri.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at East Lawn Memorial Park with Ron Brookshire officiating.

James was born on March 1, 1941 in Mexico, the son of Albert and Ethel (Belcher) Williams.

James attended Riding High Cowboy Church in Mexico, Missouri, and spent many years working as a truck driver, including time with Lyons Trucking. Earlier in his life, he trained show horses in California. James preferred a quiet life at home and mostly kept to himself. One of his closest companions was his faithful dog, Ralph, who was always by his side and meant the world to him.

Survivors include one sister, Patricia Staples of Mexico; one son, Paul Williams of Columbia; one daughter, Teri Taylor of Columbia; 15 nieces and nephews, Michael Jerichow, Michelle Whanger, Melissa Staples, Merry Rubemeyer, Valerie Karhoff, James Karhoff, Chastity Vega, Kenzi Karhoff, Brenda Sirucek, Rick Williams, Matthew Sirucek, Malisa Lewis, Christina Williams, Kellie Williams and Shane Williams; and three grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Robert “Bob” Williams, Wallace Williams and Jackie Williams; and two sisters, Shirley Williams and Carla Karhoff; and one nephew, Micky Jerichow.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Patricia Staples. Memorials may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.