Obituary
William “Bill” Monroe James was born March 10, 1948, in Gneisen, Germany. His parents, Army Captain Delores Lorraine Kern “Dee” James, and Carmy Command Sargeant Major Willie Martin James were assigned to Occupational Forces after WWII.
Bill had an idyllic childhood growing up in Port Monmouth, NJ, with his mom and older brother Charles Robert “Chuck” James (decease). Always surrounded by a lot of friends.
Bill followed Chuck into Cub Scouts, at age 8. He completed all the tasks necessary for rapid advancement in scouting, achieving Eagle status at 14.
Involved in school politics, he helped establish the Teenage Democrats of Middletown Township, NJ. Continuing his political aspirations, he achieved a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics (Outstanding Graduate) from the University of Tampa, FL. At graduation, Bill received a full tuition scholarship (from Monmouth County, NJ, Bar Association) to Stetson College of Law. Prior to graduation, he married Susan Bashaw Drathman.
A bottle of Jack Daniels was preferrable to marriage and school, resulting in catastrophe.
Bill began a recovery process in 1979, in which he continued throughout his life. He served 25 years on the board of directors of New Hope Foundation (the largest free standing addiction treatment center in NJ); most of the time as board chairman. In 2004, he assumed the position of Construction Manager, building a new New Hope facility. During this time, he received the NJ Governor’s Award for Volunteer of the Year.
In 1982, Bill began training as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Following training at Rutgers University NJ, he passed the exam for his Environmental Health Specialist license. After a nomadic career working in many NJ county agencies, he began employment for the City of Long Branch NJ as a Sanitary Inspector, retiring in 2004 (after 25 years) as a Principal Sanitary Inspector.
In 1983, Bill married Lynne Raymond Dalton James, becoming stepdad to Patricia Cathleen “Cathy” Dalton (deceased). The couple purchased a house in Port Charlotte, FL, anticipating retirement. They relocated in 2005.
Not one to stay idle, Bill took a position with the State of Florida as a Juvenile Probation Officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice. He initially worked at DeSoto Juvenile Correction facility in Arcadia, FL, as a counselor, helping emotionally challenged youth to transition to home life.
Then Bill went to work at the Juvenile Assessment Center in Fort Myers, serving Lee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. He retired in 2013.
Married for 42 years, Bill and Lynne moved to Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda almost two years ago. His health decline necessitated the need for an Assisted Living Facility. The couple are extremely happy, and love living there. Through this recent illness, the care was extremely caring and compassionate. The staff is great.
The center of Bill’s life was participating in alcohol and addiction recovery program (46 years). He helped thousands of people recover and lead sober, productive, spiritual lives, housing many.
Outliving his brother Chuck, by a month and a half, Bill leaves behind his wife Lynne. Three nieces: Trisha (Shawn) James (who was one of his beloved spiritual advisors); Elizabeth (Eric) Toal; and Jesse (Robbie) McCall. Sisters in Law; Debbie James and Margie Raymond. Brother-in-Law; Jeffrey Raymond. Twp nephews; Chuck James, Sam Raymond. Plus, numerous grand nieces and nephews, and so many people who loved him.
He fought a good fight, not going gently into the night. But he is at peace now, playing with puppies and kittens at the rainbow bridge; running around the yard with brother Chuck and hugging stepdaughter Cathy.
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