James A. Willett, 63, formerly of Plummer, MN died on January 21, 2013 at Springfield Skilled Care Center in Springfield, Missouri after a long battle with dementia. Jim was born July 22, 1949 in Crookston, MN to Joseph and Teckla (Williams) Willett. He attended school in Plummer where the family maintained a farm outside of Plummer. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1972. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam and received the Purple Heart Military Medal. He was a carpenter by trade most of his adult life. He moved to Missouri in the mid 70’s and continued to work in the construction business until he became ill. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, who would spend most of his free time hunting and fishing or enjoying his other passion which was his Harley motorcycle. Jim is survived by wife, Judy, son, Jason (Danelle), grandson Quinn, step-children, Danette, Kimberly and James, and step-grandchildren Amanda, Shelby, Elizabeth, Logan, Taney, Lenzi, and Bailey and great-granddaughter Payton. Also survived by his father, Joe, sisters, Joyce (Carl), Elizabeth, Susan (Gary), brothers, Arne, Tom (Rebecca), Dan and Doug, many nieces, nephews and other family members. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Teckla and his step-son Raymond. Jim spent the last couple of years of his life at the Springfield Skilled Care Center. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff for the excellent and compassionate care. The most important thing to Jim was family and friends, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held in Springfield at AmVet at 3375 W. Farm Rd. 34 (Old 13), Brighton, MO at 2:00 on Sunday 01/27/13 and a family memorial service in Plummer is planned in the spring. Burial will follow at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Cemetery in Plummer, MN.