MR. WILLIS SAMUEL JAMES, former Mayor of Summerville, Georgia and Chattooga County businessman, 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 22, 2009, after a long illness. Born in Cobb County on October 17, 1913, Mr. James resided for most of his life in Chattooga County. His father, Cleland Columbus James moved to the area to establish the CCC Fish Hatchery in 1929. Willis James delivered fish all over the state of Georgia with his father. Mr. James graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with an engineering degree. His professional career included work in insurance and serving as manager of the Summerville Manufacturing Company for many years. He later worked with Roman Chemical Company. Mr. James was a member and former Elder of Summerville Presbyterian Church, and was involved for many years with the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. James was preceded in death by his parents, Cleland Columbus and Annie Lou James, his brothers Herman, Edward, and Albert, his first wife Lola Beatty James, and their daughter, Martha Addie James Hagood.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary James; three grandsons, Gregory, Robert, and Richard Hagood, their father Dr. Felton Hagood, and several great grandchildren along with an extended step family.

Memorial services will be held at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home on Wednesday (November 25th), with visitation at 2 P.M. and the service at 3 P.M. Interment will follow in the Summerville Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers Gregory Hagood, Dr. Robert Hagood, Richard Hagood, Joseph Winston McWhorter, Robert O. McWhorter, Hilary G. McWhorter, Dr. Felton Hagood, and Arch Farrar, Jr. . In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Summerville Presbyterian Church or the Boy Scouts of America, Summerville, Georgia.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge.