William "Duck" James

William “Duck” James, 32, of Kannapolis, passed away at his home, Monday August 17, 2026.

He was born May 8, 1994 in Concord to Zelly Drye James and the late Kevin Lee James.

Duck was a veteran of the U.S. Army “Desert Wolves” serving in Kuwait. He was a NASCAR fan and a Dale Earnhardt fan. he enjoyed fishing and loved music, writing it or playing on his guitar.

Those left to cherish his memory, his devoted love Carol Jo, his mother Zelly Drye James, sister, Marisa “Thyme” James (Mac Hall), stepchildren Jerry and Boe, three aunts, he is also survived by 13 close cousins and a large friend group, his cat Timmy and was preceded by his dogs Axl and Kato.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Bethpage Presbyterian Church, 6020 Mooresville Rd. Kannapolis, NC, a visitation will be prior from 3-4 PM at the church. Interment and military honors will be held September 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Salisbury National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org