Jim Willis, Age 79 of Springfield, MO passed away in his home surrounded by his wife and three kids on May 31, 2021. He was born June 24, 1941 in Wellington, KS to Ethridge “Pop” and Alice Faye Willis.
He graduated from Wellington High School class of 1960. He married his high school sweetheart Lorene Posch on July 20, 1963. They started a family while living in Wellington and moved to Wichita, KS in 1968 for a new job. Jim transferred jobs from American Motors of Wichita, KS to Thrifty Imports of Springfield, MO in 1977.
Jim’s passion for spending time with family allowed him to enjoy many weeks every year camping and boating at Table Rock Lake. He had dreams of wearing out his kids skiing so he could spend a few minutes fishing. He shared his love for sports with his children teaching them to golf, coaching their baseball teams and enjoying watching football and baseball. He took many family vacations and was proud of the fact he was able to visit all 50 states, 48 in a motorhome. After his grandchildren were born, he created special bonds with each of them sharing his sense of humor and teaching them the things they all enjoyed.
Another interest of Jim’s was his love of cars. He started his career working as a car washer for a local car dealership. After high school, he went to work for his dad as a mechanic at “Pop” Willis Rambler. He worked in the car dealer industry for 36 years, the majority of the time was spent as the Service Manager. He shared and passed on his love for cars with both of his sons and helped them rebuild their own classic cars. He enjoyed attending classic car shows with both sons, spending many hours sharing stories of different cars he owned throughout his life.
Jim enjoyed working with his hands which led him to a career after cars to include repairing homes for HUD and making wood crafts to sell at craft shows. Jim and Lorene worked together in wood crafts making many new friends and enjoyed being able to share the fun of the partnership. Each year they made a wood toy soldier for each grandkid which was about a half inch taller than the previous year.
Jim was survived by his wife Lorene; three children: Janet Ball (David) of Kansas City, MO, Mike Willis (Michele) of Marionville, MO, and Steve Willis (Sarah) of Lathrop, MO; 4 Grand Children: Kylie Ball, Kayla Ball, Owen Willis, and Mason Willis; Brothers Berle Willis (Darlene) and Jerry Willis; as well as many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Shirley May.
A visitation will be held on Thursday June 3, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home South, 441 West Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807. Followed by a memorial service on Friday June 4, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Greenlawn Funeral Home South.
condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com