Billy Lewis James, age 75, of Waycross passed away Monday, March 20, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross after an extended illness. He was a native of Ware County, son of the late L.F. "Buck" James and Macy Bennett James and was preceded in death by a brother Bobby James and an infant sister Baby James.

Billy was retired from Georgia Forestry Commission, served in the Air National Guard, was a member of Liberty Free Will Baptist Church of Waycross and worked with the Gideon's.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Marian Varnadore James of Waycross, one brother, George T. James of Bushnell, FL., two sisters, Phyllis (Roy) Crumbley of Homerville, GA. and Janelle (Arnold) James of Kingsland, GA., special niece and nephew, Jaimie (Kris) Frazier of Rochelle, GA. and Ryan (Lily Anna) Varnedore of Baxley and also several other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 23rd at 2:00 PM at Liberty Free will Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Lugo and Rev. John Rentz officiating. Interment will follow in Wolf Pit Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the church Thursday from 12:00 PM until funeral time.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Waycross Camp Gideon's International.

Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.