James McQueen Williams

James McQueen Williams, born on February 15, 1956, in Godwin, Cumberland, North Carolina, passed away on May 22, 2026, in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio at age 70.

James was a talented electric and acoustic guitarist, vocalist, and prolific poet. He had a witty sense of humor and jovial demeanor. His quick mechanical mind could problem-solve any challenge rapidly and safely. He was a ready rescuer and excellent claw machine player, winning hundreds of stuffed animals for children, known and unknown.

In his youth he participated in American Revolution reenactments which landed him on the cover of the North Carolina State magazine in the 1970s. His sharp-shooting abilities won him awards in competitions.

He was a lover of nature and a kind steward to neighborhood critters, nourishing and caretaking an ecosystem he created through feeding wildlife in the front yard.

Full of loving insight and a plethora of enchanting and humorous life stories, his time with us will be cherished and carried on with pride.

He is survived by his son, Ryan McQueen Williams; his life partner of twelve years, Becky Czarnecki; Becky’s children, Monica and Scott, as well as her grandchildren, Violet, Kylie and Roman; his siblings, Marie, Jeannie, Margaret, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon McQueen Williams and Sophia Eloise Baker Williams, his half-brother, Gordon Marshall Williams, and his sister, Darlene.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 12:30-1:30 PM at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Follow the BLUE line). The funeral service will take place at 1:30 PM. Burial will follow at 2:30 PM.