James Malcolm Williams, Sr.

James Malcolm Williams, Sr., 83, was born on July 19, 1930 in the Bronx, New York to the late Laura (Bennett) and Osman Williams, joining two brothers, Howard and Earle. Known as Malcolm or Mal to most, he was a little boy who cherished his family. Malcolm lost his beloved mother as a young boy. As a teen, Malcolm went to live in Harlem with Howard, his wife, Laverne and their children, Nick and Lois. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School, going on to major in psychology at the City College of New York. He later worked as a mail sorter at the United States Postal Service, until called to duty to proudly serve his country in the United States Army. Malcolm served a tour in the Korean War, from 1951 – 1953, in the Tank Co. 223rd Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division (Destroyer Tanker Division). He earned his Combat Infantry Badge, a Korean Service Medal, a United Nations Service Medal, and was awarded two Bronze Service Stars, a distinction given for heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Following his tour in Korea, Malcolm completed eight years of service in the United States Army Reserves. Malcolm later went on to work for the Metropolitan Transit Authority, where he served as a bus driver. It was on one of his routes where he met the first love of his life, Donalda Lee Jones. He and Donalda were married on December 16, 1961 at Riverside Church in New York. Following their marriage, they resided in Harlem and later moved to New Rochelle. At the time of their marriage, Malcolm had become a top salesman at Acey Oldsmobile in the Bronx. Malcolm had also become heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1962, he and Donalda founded the Westchester Chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Together, they worked to fight for racial equality and opportunity throughout the New York metropolitan area and Westchester County. Malcolm and Donalda had four children, Dana, James Malcolm, Jr., Linda and Christopher. In 1968, the family moved to Lakeview, New York, where they lived for eight years, before moving to Freeport, New York. Malcolm and Donalda welcomed all to their home, which became the place where friends gathered for barbeques; parties, or just to have fun. The Williams Home was a place that became the gathering spot for many of area’s young people. Malcolm always welcomed them with open arms, but quickly taught them the rules of the house, which included visitors always having to come into the house to meet him, greeting with a handshake, direct eye contact, the removal of one’s hat while indoors, and overall respectful behavior. Malcolm continued his work as a salesman and manager in the automobile industry for over thirty years, semi-retiring to enter the family’s real estate business, Williams Properties of Long Island, Inc., after Donalda became ill. In 1989, the family lost Donalda to cancer. Malcolm found love for a second time, when he met his dear Mayra Miguelina Castro. They married on June 8, 1996 at the Congregational Church of South Hempstead, UCC. Malcolm and Miguelina continued to live in Freeport and enjoyed a warm and loving relationship. They had many good times with each other and with close friends and family. Malcolm continued to run the real estate business and was joined by Christopher. The two continued selling and leasing residential and commercial properties throughout Long Island- working side by side and enjoying each other’s company for over 20 years, until they closed the office at the end of 2011. Malcolm missed going to the office, remarking that it was the first time that he had not worked since he was fourteen years old. Whether he was called Dear, Mi Amor, Daddy, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Boots, Uncle Mal, or Old Blue Eyes, all that he learned and experienced helped to shape Malcolm into the loving man he was at the time of his passing. He will be remembered for so many things: For being a Family Man; For being a true gentleman; For his caring ways and kindness - his first question always being “How are you feeling?” – Never once complaining, even if he didn’t feel well himself; For always trying to help out as much as possible; For giving great advice, encouragement and spreading his wisdom; For his activism and quest for social justice; For his love of automobiles; For his love of fishing and boating; For his love of shooting pool, watching football, boxing, golf and tennis – always routing for Tiger Woods and the Williams Sisters; For his love of Jazz, and even Hip Hop; For the emotion he showed when President Obama was elected; For his smile that would light up a room; And who could forget - those sparkling blue eyes? James Malcolm Williams, Sr. is survived by his wife, Miguelina, his children, Dana, James Malcolm, Jr., Linda and Christopher, son-in-law, David Dudley, four grandchildren, Damon, Taela, Ayana and Kaine, his stepson, Julio Frometa Castro, his wife, Yulisa, and their children, Julio, Jr., Justin, Julianna and Naomi and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He will truly be missed…

James Malcolm Williams, Sr.

July 19, 1930 - January 16, 2014