WILMINGTON — James Baker Williams, beloved son, brother, grandson and friend to many, died on December 18th, 2024, at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, SC after a long and courageous battle following his most recent heart surgery. He was 10 years old.
Born on January 10th, 2014 in Wilmington, NC to Caroline and Tram Williams, Baker was a 5th grade student at St. Mark Catholic School where he received the Award for Excellence in Social Studies, and was given a Certificate of Respect award for “always being polite, using his manners, making positive statements and being respectful towards his teachers as well as his classmates.”
From a young age, it was evident to many that Baker was an old soul, oftentimes sharing wisdom beyond his years. Baker’s spirituality and faith in God was also something to behold in a child so young. He was a loyal and devoted friend, always inclusive and kindhearted. Whether in the real world or the digital world, Baker cherished time spent with his buddies; building forts, riding bikes around the neighborhood and playing games. Baker had a wonderfully imaginative mind, always telling stories, building Legos and creating his own science experiments. With a lifelong love of nature, the marsh and sea creatures, he couldn’t wait to become a junior counselor at Camp Chris Stone when he was old enough to do so.
Baker’s cardiology surgeons called him a prize fighter and a true warrior. In the 3 months he spent in the hospital, he never gave up; courageously and bravely fighting through every challenge. When he was discouraged or frustrated, he would boldly say “I can do this. I am doing this. I am strong.” Even when Baker was tired, sick and feeling run down, his manners, optimism and kindness towards others never faltered. He brought joy to other patients and nurses with his impromptu standup comedy shows and corny jokes. He never failed to express his true gratitude to every nurse, physician, or therapist who walked into his room, and his courage, kindness and strength has made an everlasting impact on all who knew him.
Baker is survived by his parents, R. Bertram (Tram) Williams IV and Caroline Seals Williams of Wilmington, NC; his sister, Sutton Meriwether Williams of Wilmington; his maternal grandmother, Kathleen Baker Seals of Columbia, SC; his maternal great-grandmother, Patsy McCullough Seals of Columbia; his paternal grandparents, R. Bertram Williams III and Melanie Beall Williams of Wilmington; his uncle, Mark J. (Jack) Seals Jr. and wife Anna Scott Ferree Seals of Columbia; his aunt, Ramsay Williams Younger and husband Thomas Carlton (Carl) Younger of Raleigh, NC; and cousins Mark Seals III, Sam Seals, Grayson Younger, McKinley Younger and Tanner Younger. Baker was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Mark J. Seals (Baker’s “Pop”) of Columbia, SC.
A few days before Baker passed away, he told us that if he was still in the hospital for Christmas, he wanted to use his new electric juicer (that Santa was hopefully bringing) to make fresh orange juice and lemonade to give to all of the doctors and nurses who had to be away from their families on Christmas Day.
In keeping with Baker’s giving spirit, we would like to do more for the outstanding pediatric cardiology team who are the reason we were able to spend 10 beautiful years with Baker.
Tram and Caroline have decided to set up a fund in Baker’s honor to help those who have given so much of their time, knowledge and love to the family. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you make donations here. With your help, we hope to make an impactful, positive change for children living with congenital heart disease.
A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Friday, January 10th at First Presbyterian Church, 125 S 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. Andrews Mortuary & Crematory is assisting the family.
