James Franklin Willis, Sr.

James Franklin Willis, Sr., age 67, of Eldon, died Sunday, July 12, 2009, at his home.
He was born April 9, 1942, in Barnett, a son of John Franklin and Roxie Ellen Hays Willis. On August 2, 1959, Jim was united in marriage to Mary Clark, and she survives at their home.
He attended school in Versailles. He retired from the Ford Motor Company-Claycomo Plant.
Jim was a member of the New Life Assembly of God Church in Barnett, the Rose of Sharon Pentecostal Church in Kansas City, and a 38 year member of the Shriner's Ararat Temple.
He was an avid mushroom hunter and also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching wrestling on the television. Jim and Mary moved from Cameron to Eldon a few years ago to be near his family.
In addition to his wife of almost 50 years, he is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, James F. Jr. and Tricia Willis, Ludlow, Illinois and Dustin F. and Rebecca Willis, Kearney; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Cassandra and Patrick Knox, Columbia; April and Joseph Medina Springfield and Shirley Willis, Fredericksburg, Virginia; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Wesley and Helen Willis, Eldon; Wayne and Tina Willis, Barnett and Bobby Willis, St. Louis; four sisters and three brothers-in-law, Maxine and Herb Dick, Versailles; Celia Jordan, Long Beach, California; Violet and Wayne Simmons, Hughesville and Beth and Bob Jenkins, Russellville; seventeen grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Albert, Richard, John, Edward and Ralph Willis and three sisters, Ruth Willis, Mary Lehman and Louise Willis.
Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 15, at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Barnett with Rev. Ronnie Hess and Darryl Burch officiating.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 15, at the church.
In keeping with his wishes, Jim will be cremated following the service on Wednesday.