James Williams is a full-time NBA referee. Image Source: Flickr.
- Birth DateMay 23, 1979
- Birth Name James Williams
- Age 45
- Birth Place Memphis, Arkansas, USA
- Birth Sign Gemini
- Nationality American
- Profession NBA Referee
- Relationship Status Not Confirmed
- Eye Color Black
- Hair Color Black
- Education Bachelor's degree in Law & Society and History
A famous referee, James Williams, has served in the NBA for over nine seasons as its full-time official. In addition, there are only seventy-five full-time referees for the 2021-2022 season.
James has established himself as one of the most successful referees in the league. Although he is one of the significant members of the court, not much is known about him. So, in this biography, we present James Williams’ career, net worth, wife, and children.
Is A Memphis Native
Williams was born on 23 May 1979 in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Marianna, Arkansas. As his hometown wasn’t much resourceful, his family moved to Indiana when the referee was just nine years old. However, James Williams’ father and mother haven’t made any media appearances.
The NBA official completed his formal education at the La Porte High School in La Porte, Indiana. Afterward, he joined Purdue University and graduated in 2001. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Law & Society and History. In addition, the School of Liberal Arts honored James as an outstanding graduating senior.
Also Read: About An Outstanding Referee – JB DeRosa
James Williams Net Worth And Career
As mentioned above, the referee has been officiating the NBA matches for nine seasons. During all those years, the successful official not only amassed fame but has also pocketed a significant sum of money. Thus, James Williams’ net worth must be a massive amount.
James started his career as an NCAA official immediately after graduating from Purdue. He served the association for a decade, from 2001 to 2010. Although he had planned to pursue a law career, he became a referee instead.
James initially earned only $6-$7 an hour. But, when officiating a basketball tournament in West Lafayette, he started charging $20 per game. There, he met a guy named Chuck Jones, who told him about his potential to become an NBA referee. Although his starting days were rough, the NBA official stuck with his choice, and his hard work and dedication are paying off now.
Finally, in early 2010, Williams joined the NBA as an official referee. He had previously officiated two seasons in the WNBA, NBA G League, and the 2010 NBA G League All-Star Game. He has officiated 530 regular-season games and nineteen playoff games so far in the NBA.
Talking about James Williams’ salary, he must earn a reasonable sum. As reported by Sportbrief, even rookie NBA referees make $600 per game. On the other hand, an experienced referee can make up to $10,000 per match. Considering the growth of the league, James’ paycheck is bound to increase.
Furthermore, James doesn’t just keep all of his earnings to himself. He is generous, and his generosity has benefited various groups and organizations.
#RefsDoingGood: NBA referee and Chicago native James Williams helped Andre McDonnell and @itsfromthesole provide shoes and socks to the homeless community in Chicago last weekend! Check out It’s from the Sole’s IGTV for more on this weekend’s donations: https://t.co/sCtd87yvRo pic.twitter.com/7xbw2AJyG8
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) June 17, 2019
Hence, James Williams’ net worth must be a considerable sum from his refereeing career. Hopefully, he becomes one of the highest-paid referees in the league. Matt Boland is another NBA referee with notable earnings.
Lives A Private Life
Although James has been the constant face in the league, he has not disclosed anything about his personal life. The referee is in his forties, and he might be married with few children. However, he seems to be protecting the privacy of his partner and kids. Hence, James Wiliams’ wife remains a mystery.
In addition, the NBA official has not disclosed any information about his family members and siblings. Nonetheless, he might be a devoted family man who enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones.
Nevertheless, the successful referee’s professional life is going smoothly, and let’s hope he is doing great in his personal life too. We wish James Williams a more prosperous life ahead.
Trivia And Facts
- The referee enjoys reading books, sports, movies, traveling, and biking.
- James Williams’ hidden talent is throwing a baseball.
- His favorite book is Love Wins, while his favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption.
