William Howard James

William Howard James of Waupaca, Wisconsin, died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Gunderson Medical Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was 66 years of age. William was born January 9, 1950 in Sparta, Wisconsin. He lived much of his life in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin before moving to Waupaca.

William enjoyed music, having spent many years as a lead guitarists in a number of mid-west bands. He also enjoyed working with and owning firearms, enough so that he became a gunsmith.

He is survived by two children, daughter Jacqueline (Travis) Golding and son Robin Smolarek, and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by father Jack Howard James and sister Cheryl Ann (James/Bergen) Marks.

No funeral plans have been made at this time.