William Jesse James
COLUMBIA — William Jesse James, known as Jesse, of Lupus died of cancer at his home on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010. He was 54.
Mr. James was born June 29, 1956, in Munich, Germany, to Jimmie and Gertrude James. His father served in the Army, and his mother was a native of Germany. Mr. James' family moved several times before settling in Pineville.
Mr. James left Pineville in his teens to pursue a career as a drummer. He settled in the Columbia area and lent his unique style to many bands, including White Rock Prairie Band, Wide Eyes, Ponytail Crooks, Blues Night Band, Blue Steele, the Mode and SRE.
In the late 1980s, Mr. James, who was an avid arrowhead hunter, became interested in flintknapping — the creation of stone tools and decorations. He began to produce and sell whimsical birds, turtles, snakes and other animals made of various types of rock. He maintained this interest for the rest of his life.
Mr. James also began to play guitar and write his own music. The Jesse James Band played at many venues, and Mr. James' CD, "The Seasons...The Changes..." was released in 2007. He was working on a follow-up CD at the time of his death. Mr. James' fellow musicians plan to complete and produce that CD.
He is survived by his mother, Gertrude James of Pineville; a brother, Kurt James of Pineville; three sisters, Maria Regier, Denise Rawls and Karen Stark, all of Pineville; a son, Brannon James of Columbia; four daughters, Starr Skinner of Athens, Ga., and Willow James, Jennifer Wright and Ayla Pratte, all of Columbia; nine grandchildren, Matthew Skinner of Athens, Ga.; Ramzee and Nia'la James, Kayla, Macy and J.T. Faulkner, Alyson Haynes and Camille and Aubrey Walls, all of Columbia; and many friends.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday at Lupus General Store, Main Street, Lupus.
