Rev. Willie R. James, civil rights pioneer, sues to integrate all-white Willingboro community

Rev. Willie R. James Sr., 95, a civil rights pioneer who successfully sued a private developer to racially integrate a neighborhood in Willingboro, died Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Marcella Center nursing home in Burlington Township. His life’s work reflected a steadfast commitment to justice and equality, rooted in the belief that all people deserve dignity and opportunity.

Born Sept. 13, 1920, in Vidalia, La., Rev. James attended all-black schools as a child and later enrolled at the historically Black Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. His early experiences with systemic exclusion shaped his later activism. In 1941, he was drafted into the Army, where he served as an officer in the Criminal Investigation Unit. After his service, he was transferred to Fort Dix in Burlington County in 1946, setting the stage for his future efforts in civil rights.

In 1957, Rev. James married Bernice Timbers. When they began searching for a home, they were drawn to the new community of Levittown, being developed by Levitt & Sons Inc. in what is now Willingboro. The community, envisioned as an all-white neighborhood, excluded Black residents. Rev. James, determined to challenge this exclusion, sued Levitt in 1958. The state Supreme Court ultimately ruled in his favor, removing a key barrier for Black families seeking to purchase homes in suburban developments.

Though Levitt had already agreed to integrate before the court’s decision, the ruling solidified the right of Black families to live in previously segregated neighborhoods. Rev. James and his family moved into what had been an all-white section of Millbrook Park in 1960. He described the community’s reaction as “riots and fights” as integration progressed.

Rev. James continued his activism beyond Willingboro. In 1965, he helped establish the Burlington County Community Action Program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting low-income residents. His work extended to the pulpit as well, where he served as pastor of the Shaw Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Providence, R.I., for a decade.

Rev. James’ life and ministry exemplified the call to justice, mercy, and humble service. His actions align with the biblical theme of Micah 6:8, which urges people to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. His legacy continues to inspire those who seek to dismantle barriers and uplift the marginalized.

Source: Read the original report