James McWilliams built a reputation of conservatism and looking to local needs while representing Harrison and Rusk counties in Austin during the 1980s.

The Kilgore resident and Joinerville native died Wednesday in Tyler at age 73.

“He represented his people very well, was very conscientious in constituent services,” said Daryl Atkinson, who was an aide to Texas Sen. Ed Howard of Texarkana at the same time fellow Democrat McWilliams was serving in Austin.

McWilliams, who lived in Hallsville during his tenure, served three terms from 1981-87.

Services are set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Forest Home Baptist Church in Kilgore under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Kilgore. Burial will be in Danville Cemetery.

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