James “Jim” G. Willis

James “Jim” G. Willis, 87 years old, died Monday, October 3, 2022 and woke in the presence of Jesus. He was born December 7, 1934 in Wheaton, Missouri, the son of Garret and Georgia Willis and brother to Carl, Mary and Faye.

Visitation: 10:00 am, Monday, October 17, 2022, First Baptist Church Saginaw,

300 N. Old Decatur Rd., Saginaw, Texas 76179

Celebration of Life: 11:00 am, Monday, October 17, 2022, First Baptist Church Saginaw.

Interment: 2:00 pm, Monday, October 17, 2022, Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery,

2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.

Jim proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on November 18, 1953 and was Honorably Discharged on January 31, 1974, after twenty-one years of service. He was proud of his service to his country especially working to develop mid-air refueling on KC-135s, his work with the B-58 Hustler program and ending his career on the FB-111. Some of the words used to describe his work in the Air Force were: “Everyone who comes in contact with Sgt. Willis is aware of his outstanding technical knowledge and professionalism”, “Sgt. Willis has unlimited potential in the Air Force”, and “Sgt Willis’ personal qualities and military bearing enhance the image of a thoroughly dedicated and motivated Air Force noncommissioned officer.”

Upon his military retirement Jim went to work for J&J Supply Co. and Cook Supply Company selling automotive and furniture upholstery. His service area included Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri. He also served as a deacon and on committee roles at FBC Saginaw, Lakeview Baptist Church and Birchman Avenue Baptist Church. He believed in supporting and assisting the various pastors and missionaries God placed in his path. His faith remained strong throughout his life and was passed along to his children and grandchildren.

As proud as he was of the Air Force, Jim was even prouder of his wife Betty. After seeing the “cute girl” living just up the street in Hope, Arkansas, he knew that he would marry her. They were married on Saturday, February 12, 1955, in Hope, Arkansas. Their marriage took them all over the United States and the world. They shared 67 years together with their three boys Randy, David and Doug. Jim loved his wife and family and taught them that apart from God family is the most important priority anyone will ever have.

Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty R. Willis (Saunders); his sons and their wives; Randy and Lynne Willis (Virginia), David and Kathryn Willis (Idaho), and Doug and Sheri Willis (Texas), “adopted” daughter, Fonny Wright (Texas); sister and husband, Faye and Don Kunze (Texas); seven grandchildren, Daniel, Micah, Jeremy, Jordan, Justin, Caleb, Calie, three step-grandchildren Leeanna, John and Kara; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carl; sister, Mary; and in-laws, Henry and Lillian Saunders.

Jim will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Dallas with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pregnancy Help Center of Fort Worth or to the Wounded Warrior Project.