Willie James Colon

Willie James "Bill" Colon was born Nov. 2, 1939, in Cape Girardeau to Jesse and Catherine Swopes Colon. He was one of nine siblings: seven boys and two girls.

On Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, Willie James answered the higher call and made his transition from his earthly home to his Heavenly home, while at his residence in Cape Girardeau at the age of 84 years, 3 days. He has found everlasting joy, peace and rest.

Willie James was a father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend to everyone he met. He was a hard worker who loved his family and provided for them while living and loving life to the fullest. Willie James enjoyed traveling, hanging out with friends, grilling and cooking. His biggest thrill was rebuilding antique cars and taking them to car shows.

Willie James worked 60-plus years in several occupations, such as bond clerk, police officer, police investigator, R.E.A. security officer and owner of Triple C Maintenance.

He served his country for eight years in the U.S. Army as a master parachutist during the Vietnam War.

Willie James leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Benita (Sidney) Williams; two grandchildren, Takisha Adams and Dominique Williams; and three great-grandchildren, Jaylen Adams, Nariyah Williams and Neveah Williams. He also leaves behind a whole host of nieces and nephews and his best friend of 40-plus years, Theo Lattin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Catherine Swopes Colon; six brothers, Harry (Bernice), Frank (Mary Etta), Wilfred (Louise), James (Lillie Bee), Aubrey (Doris) and Jessie Colon Jr. (Lenetta and Mamie); and two sisters, Mary (Bill) Giboney and Ethel (Frank) Swift.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 18, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at noon Saturday, Nov. 18, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kevin Colon officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be at Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.