James Willis

James Roger Willis, 84, passed away peacefully on May 10th, 2024 in Shelton, Washington, holding the hands of his three children.

The loving son of Clyde and Dixie Willis, Jim was born February 6th, 1940 in Clintwood, Virginia. The youngest of three children, his family moved to Washington State during WWII, when Jim was a young child. He graduated with honors from Raymond High School in 1958, lettering on the football, basketball and baseball teams while serving as the ASB President. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Education from Central Washington University, where he played basketball and baseball, and later earned his Master's degree in Educational Administration. In 1963, Jim married Toni Rice and started a family with daughter Shelly, and sons Christopher and Curtis. Jim worked as a teacher and coach at several schools in Washington, before taking a position as Vice-Principal and Athletic Director at Shelton High School, where he enjoyed working with the faculty and students for decades. Jim dedicated his professional life to education and was rewarded by helping and encouraging countless Shelton students graduate from Shelton High.

Jim retired in the early 1990's and moved to his lakefront home on Lake Limerick, where he lived until the day he passed. He spent his early retirement years traveling to Nevada, Arizona and Texas, to play golf and spend time with family, and as a master gardener, he loved tending to his rhododendrons and azaleas while relaxing and enjoying the lake.

Jim was preceded to heaven by his father and mother, and his two older sisters, Romanell Hosford and Carrie Fey. A wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jim is survived by daughter Shelly (Rasmussen), sons Chris Willis, and Curtis Willis; son-in-law Jon, daughter-in-law Jill; his grandchildren Taylor, Natalie, Austin and Nicholas; and great-grandson Maverick. Jim was a man of integrity and principle, who will be missed dearly by those who loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at noon, Sunday July 14th, 2024 at the Lake Limerick Country Club Great Hall. Credence Clearwater Revival will obviously be played in his honor.

In his memory, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.