William Tell James, 100, of Ravenswood departed this life Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Arcadia Nursing Center, Athens County, OH, following an extended illness.

He was born June 6, 1908, in Normantown, a son of the late William W. and Alma (Reed) James. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Susan Elodena (Monroe) James; son William T. James Jr.; brothers Boyd A., Parker B., Justus L., Butcher, David, John and Clark R.; and sisters Mildred White, Nora "Bliss" Smith and Mary Alltop.

He was a former heavy equipment operator with Kelly Construction Company and a former employee of the City of Ravenswood, where he worked in the water/electrical department and was the designated parking meter repairman. He was a retired grader operator from the West Virginia State Department of Highways and was an avid farmer.

He was baptized in the Steer Run Baptist Church, Normantown, was a former member and Sunday School superintendent of the Willowdale Baptist Church and was a current member of the First Baptist Church, Ravenswood.

He was a 50-plus year member of Ashton Lodge 12, AF&AM, Ravenswood, and was the former chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Executive Committee. He enjoyed CB Radio and was an avid hunter and sharpshooter.

Survivors include his brother, Samuel A. James of Parkersburg; grandchildren Susan M. Mays of Zebulon, N.C., and William R. James of Indianapolis, IN.; great-grandchildren Jeremy J. James, Ian E. James, William D. Hornish, Melanie Mays, Aaron Mays and Larry Mays; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Casto Funeral Home, Ravenswood, with the Rev. John Villers officiating. Burial will follow in Ravenswood Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites provided by Ashton Lodge 12, AF&AM. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the funeral home.