James McArthur Williams
Why do we so often become confused when taking the measure of greatness? Why are we so easily distracted - and dazzled - by the spectacle, the swank, and the swagger? Why do we so often miss who is truly important - and what really makes a difference in each of our lives?
Had the privilege of attending the funeral of a great man last week at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in downtown Raleigh [link ]. James Williams was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend. He married his high school sweetheart Ginger; he called her "Bread". They had two children - JaSonne Yvette and James Eric. James Williams was a veteran, 33rd degree Mason, Emeritus Board Steward in his church, graduate - and beyond ardent supporter - of his HBCU, "THE" North Carolina Central University ("Go War Eagles!"). James was a devoted family man at heart, loved traveling, and as an empty-nester, cruising with Ginger. A full life - important, meaningful.
James Williams came to work at the State Employees' Credit Union in 1973. That was 50 years ago. That seems like a long, long time ago. Much has changed in that time, much hasn't. James McArthur Williams was the first Black employee to work at SECU. He faced some unusual challenges, not of his making. But he persevered, he persisted. James Williams was a senior lender at SECU for over a quarter of a century. No individual was more important in building the reputation for integrity and fairness at State Employees' Credit Union than James McArthur Williams. With humor, grace, and kindness, James Williams navigated all the "historical difficulties"; he left a positive mark on all he touched; because he knew how you felt - he had walked in your shoes.
Thank you, James Williams, for helping me and many, many others "to better understand".
Can an organization have a soul? As a deeply faithful "soul man", James McArthur Williams spent a lifetime showing us there is a path...
Can you measure greatness in people and in institutions? Here is what SECU members say:
✨ "James will long be remembered as a person who showed many of us how to overcome obstacles in the world of finance. He demystified bank forms and protocols. And most importantly, he always encouraged patrons of SECU as we realized with God all things are possible!"
✨ "James was our greatest ally at the State Employees’ Credit Union."
✨ "James and Ginger are two of the warmest people you'd ever want to meet.
Many state employees knew James through the State Employees Credit Union
in downtown Raleigh.
Thank you, Sir!"
... it is difficult to watch an organization be diminished - by folks who don't value the common humanity within each member...
Great Man. thank you posting this in his honor.
ReplyDeleteIndustry Standard=Soulless. Corporate America=Soulless. SECU had a soul. Still does, but it’s getting chipped away at every day.
ReplyDeleteFolks won't know what they had until it's gone for good.
ReplyDeleteOnce it's gone, it's almost impossible to get back!
We have an obligation to Mr James to stay the course and hold those in charge responsible for the damage they are inflicting on those who need the help the most!
Those A paper borrowers should have no problem helping their fellow members out ... the A paper members should view the other members just like if they co-signed for them at the A paper rate ... and be thankful you are in the position to be able to!
SECU the next Big Yellow Taxi https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-trp-001&ei=UTF-8&hsimp=yhs-001&hspart=trp&p=take+paradise+and+put+up+a+parkig+lot&type=Y167_F163_202037_011423#id=5&vid=6c8814266512d0be748c1207b71bb142&action=view
Deletespot on ... thanks for the reminising ....
DeleteThat's Raleigh for sure!!! ... all for progress!?
DeleteI trained under the tutelage of James for a short period of time in 1980. He was kind and compassionate with his members. He was also calm and patient with his rookie trainees. In December 2000, James was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is reserved for citizens of our state who have made significant contributions to our state and communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. He was not only an ambassador for our state, but also for the credit union. Well done, James. A life well lived.
ReplyDeleteI worked with James at Salisbury Street. He had a following of members that were fiercely loyal. Those that would wait as long as it took to see the man they trusted. When you have earned trust you have everything and when you have lost trust you have lost everything.
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace James.
Shaming James, we need to say it as employees. Call out this BS board.
DeleteAlways my hero at the credit union.
ReplyDeleteA member's credit score never mattered, everybody paid James williams back. It was personal. No longer.
ReplyDeletePeople Helping People in NC. Thank you James Williams.
ReplyDeleteJames set the standard for, and trained, many SECU employees. The members reaped the benefits. Why is this so difficult for Ms Brady and the administration to understand? SECU never embraced banking culture until recently. SECU was not run emotions. It was a sound business model that served state employees an people of modest means well, because employees like James listened, looked and figured out how SECU could help members financially, all members, borrowers and lenders(savers). Win win for all! What happened? We need more James Williams! Ayers, Fleming, Moon, McLawhorn, Wooten, Haygood, Brinson, and Williams should do some deep study of what NCSECU meant for its first 85 years. and Why it WAS successful? People. people like James Williams.
ReplyDeleteJames Williams rocks, Leigh brady sucks. Amen
ReplyDeleteNeed more James Williams in the world and at the credit union.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of the passing of James. He truly put the members first and would help the members and SECU employees anyway he could. He will be missed.
ReplyDelete