James R. 'Jim' Willis, 87
James R. “Jim” Willis, 87, aviator extraordinaire, left on his final flight, passing away peacefully with his daughter Anne by his side, Tuesday, May 13, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Jim has been an active full-time resident of Sandpoint for the past 8 years and a half-year resident for the 28 years preceding.
Jim was born and raised in Los Angels, Calif. He attended Hamilton High School where he was a member of ROTC from ninth through eleventh grade, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He then attended Santa Monica Junior College, where he received an associate of arts degree. During this time, 1939-1941, he also served with the National Guard in the 160 Infantry, 40th Division, and was employed with Douglas Aircraft Company, until called for active military service in 1941. After cadet and pilot training, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army Air Corps.
In 1942, Jim met his future wife, Frances Eileen Battle, while stationed as a fighter pilot at Dale Mabry Army Air Corps Base in Tallahassee, Fla. Jim was subsequently deployed to Headquarters of the 26 Fighter Command, 20th Troop Carrier Squadron, 6th Air Force, in Panama, for World War II. During a leave, Jim returned to Florida to marry Frances on Jan. 8, 1944. His daughter Anne Eileen was born later that year in August 1944.
After World War II, Jim and Frances lived in Fort Worth, Texas while Jim flew for American Airlines. They later moved to Miami, Fla., where Jim was employed as a pilot for Eastern Airlines, and his son James Roy Jr. was born in December 1947. Jim was recalled for the Korean War, and served with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, 7167th Special Air Missions Squadron, and later as pilot to the Commanding General of the Allied Air Forces in Northern Europe.
During this time he was also the unit commander of U.S. Air Force personnel, and operation’s officer for flight operations.
After Korea, Jim returned to flying as a captain for Eastern Air Lines. During this time, he was and has actively remained involved with his daughter and son and their many pursuits, careers, and education. He spent time traveling, skiing, salmon fishing, restoring vintage Ford automobiles, as a Sandpoint Booster, and supporting numerous military associations.
In August 1973, his grandson Jared James Kinggard was born, and Jim has since followed his high school football career, college graduation, marriage, and graduate school career with great devotion.
Jim retired from flying the line for Eastern in 1981, at which time he became a consultant to Singer Link.
In 1989, Jim and Frances, moved further south in Miami to a new retirement home, and divided their time between south Florida and their second home in Sandpoint, Idaho. After the death of his beloved wife Frances in November, 2000, Jim moved permanently to Sandpoint.
By nature, Jim was sincere, kind, gracious, and giving, with a willing laugh and genuine smile, and always a helping hand. He led a dedicated, honorable, happy, and active life, during which he was devoted to his wife, children, grandson, his many friends, and especially his military comrades.
Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Frances Eileen Willis; his parents, Roy Burke Willis and Emma Frances Willis of Georgetown, Calif.; his brother, Donald Willis of Maryville, Calif.; and his sister, Zoe Eileen Schuckert of Twin Falls, Idaho.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Anne Eileen Willis Kinggard of Knoxville, Tenn.; his son, James Roy Willis Jr., of Santa Fe, N.M.; his grandson, Jared James Kinggard, and wife Michelle Bettencourt Kinggard, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and special friend, Lola Nieman of Sandpoint.
A memorial service in celebration of Jim’s life will be held, Tuesday, May 20th, at 7 p.m., in the chapel at Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Jim’s ashes will be interred in the National Cemetery of Florida in a private family ceremony later in the year.
Family and friends are invited to visit Jim’s Web site and sign his guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.