2 days Ago
AURORA — Beloved husband, father and grandfather James A. Willis, of Aurora, passed away peacefully in Grand Island on September 14, 2024, at age 71. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.
m. Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Aurora United Methodist Church in Aurora. The Rev.
Michelle Reed will officiate. Interment will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.
m. Thursday at the Aurora United Methodist Church, 1104 A St. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his family to establish a scholarship fund.
Condolences may be emailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com .
James A. Willis, the son of Robert and Genene (Griffith) Willis, was born at, Grand Island, Nebraska, on July 21, 1953, and passed away in Grand Island on September 14, 2024, at the age of 71. His childhood in Aurora instilled a lifelong passion for sports, community and working with his hands that later led him to a successful career with his business, Willis General Contracting.
Jim graduated from Aurora High School in 1971 and attended Kearney State College, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta. Jim and Deb first met and bonded over their mutual appreciation for life in a small town, enjoying good friends and family and living a well-rounded life never living above their means. They continued to share this throughout their long and happy marriage.
They were married on October 4, 1975, in Aurora. To this union: they had one daughter, Sara. Jim held many titles in his life, from self-employed contractor to chain gang member for 30 years, to real life hero, but his favorite role was being a grandfather.
He loved nothing more than spending time with his very special granddaughter, Nevaeh. He was always there for her, whether he was helping her with school work, teaching her about the value of hard work, or cheering her on at softball games and numerous activities. The number of miles he traveled to her games in Nebraska and out of state are countless.
His support and love was unconditional and unwavering. While Jim left us far too soon, the impact he had on our community, the people he mentored, and his family and friends will be felt for years to come. His fingerprint is visible on many buildings and structures around the area.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying many activities with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert H. Willis.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Debra Willis of Aurora; a daughter, Sara A. Willis; garanddaughter, Nevaeh E. Miller-Willis; and his mother, Genene Willis of Aurora.
He is also survived by a sister, Sandi (Jeff) Geier of Lincoln; two brothers, Jerry (Sheryl) Willis of Kearney and Steve (Audrey) Willis of Lincoln; a sister-in-law, Pat (Doug) Anderson of Aurora; 10 nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and nephews; and many other family members and close friends. Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
