James E. Williams, Jr.

It is upon a mantle of God’s grace, coupled with choice, chance, and determination James E. Williams, Jr. built two successful careers. James E. Williams, Jr. was born to James E. Williams, Sr. and his wife, Lillian Croom Williams. From his inception, his parents instilled in him the importance of education, integrity, and tenacity. He graduated from St. Louis Priory Prepatory School and matriculated to Dickinson College where he received a Bachelor’s in Political Science.

Following graduation, Williams pursued his lifelong dream of flying by becoming a U.S. Navy Pilot and Officer where he served nine years. During his tenure, he clocked more than 2,000 flight hours across various countries around the world, experiencing their cultures, economics, and politics. He received the U.S. Navy Achievement Award for his efforts.

Following his retirement, Williams launched Estel Foods, Inc. to become a McDonald’s franchise owner. Currently, he owns four McDonald’s establishments.

To give back for all he has been bestowed, he serves on many boards. They include:

The Ronald McDonald House
Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club
East St. Louis Library Board
Delta Daycare Center Board
Lessie Bates Neighborhood House
Delta Sigma Theta Economic Development Center
Granite City Chamber of Commerce
East St. Louis Volunteers for Fire and Police Department
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation Board
The National Conference for Community and Justice of Metropolitan St. Louis

He also launched the James E. Williams, Sr. Mentoring Program utilizing children as interns to teach them punctuality, how to respect authority, and the importance of teamwork. Most importantly, the program teaches them to set goals and reach them.

To sum up his life’s philosophy, his journey reflects a combination of chance and choice, coupled with an abiding faith in God and destiny.