William "Will" Henry James

William Henry James, 58, a lifelong resident of Natchitoches, passed away in the LSU Medical Center in Shreveport early in the morning of September 13. 2016. After suffering from a long illness, Will was comforted in his last days by the love of his family and close friends. For decades Will was an active member of many cultural boards, committees, and organizations in the Natchitoches community. Given his lifelong interest in history, he was especially proud of his many years of service on the Historical Preservation Board. Will made essential contributions to making Natchitoches more beautiful and vibrant, and his legacy is preserved for all of us who live here to enjoy every day. Will was the Property Manager for Pierson Realty, which included the 500 block on historic Front Street, a legacy passed on by his grandfather, Dr. William Henry Pierson. Along with James Hearron, Will oversaw the first series of major renovations of Front Street in the early 1990s. Will’s sharp eye for the aesthetics of French, Spanish, and creole architecture were essential to the success of this project. A graduate of St. Mary’s High in Natchitoches, Will attended LSU and graduated from NSU in 1981 with a B.A. in accounting. He later returned to LSU to take graduate courses. Books, especially literary ones, were another of Will’s passions. He loved to quote catty remarks from “Steel Magnolias,” especially Clariee’s observation that “If you don’t have anything nice to say about someone, come sit by me.” Will is preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Elise James; his maternal grandparents Dr. William Henry Pierson and his wife Doris Henry Pierson; and by his his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt James, Sr.; his loved nephew, Caulley James. Will is survived by his stepmother, Eve James; by his siblings Doris James, Macky James and his wife Debbie, Nancy James, and David James and Anita James; by nephews Chase and Daniel James; and by nieces Casie and Caitlyn James. Will is also survived by his beloved aunt, Gail Pierson Cromwell; first cousin, Abigail Cromwell and cousin, Kathleen Hicks. Arrangements: On Friday, September 16, there will be a wake from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Blanchard Funeral Home in Natchitoches. A memorial mass will take place at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 17, at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches. Will’s remains will join those of his family members’ in the Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Will’s name may be made to the NSU Foundation for the Elise P. James Scholarship, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497.