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Mr. William “Bill” Grady Ijames Jr., formerly of West Church Street, Mocksville, passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at Somerset Court.

Bill, as he was known by his friends and family, was born on Oct. 19, 1940 in Guilford County to his loving parents, the late Sarah Elam and William Grady Ijames Sr.

Bill spent his childhood in Greensboro and attended school in Guilford County until his family moved to Davie County when he was 15 years old. A graduate of Davie High School, he went on to complete his undergraduate and law school education at Wake Forest University. He served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War.  After earning his law degree, Bill continued to serve his community as a lawyer and district court judge. He married Vera Gail Koontz, and together they raised their two daughters, Amy and Abby. Bill loved politics, college basketball, and being a part of the church of Christ. A fervent Wake Forest Demon Deacons fan, Bill tried very hard, and in vain, to make his daughters into Wake Forest sports fans. Even though they both ultimately chose UNC schools for their higher education, he was incredibly proud of his daughters. Bill was also a prolific writer and authored several publications throughout his life, including ‘The History of the Jericho church of Christ in Mocksville’.  He was a dedicated member of the church of Christ and found comfort and purpose in the word of God.

Bill was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Vera Gail Koontz Ijames; a brother, Charles Ijames (Betty); brother-in-law, Wesley Inman; dear friends Harding and Margaret Lowry and Dennis Grafe, all of whom he considered family.

Survivors include: his daughters, Amy Henkel (Pete) of Raleigh and Abby Moser (Artus) of Swannanoa; a grandson, Owen Moser of Swannanoa; a sister, Jacqueline Inman of Lexington; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 2 at Salisbury National Cemetery, with Dr. Tom Torpy officiating.

Memorials may be considered for: Somerset Court of Mocksville Employee Appreciation, c/o Angell Parrish, 150 Ken Dwiggins Drive, Mocksville, NC 27028; or Jericho Church of Christ Mission Efforts, PO Box 354, Mocksville, NC 27028.

Online condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.