James B. Willis

James B. Willis was born April 23, 1924 in Petersburg, Indiana to Floyd and Inez Willis. As a young boy growing
up in a small farming community in rural Indiana, James and his brothers were taught many skills that came with farming.
Because of this he acquired a unique sense of adventure that rather defied the norm. His dad taught him how to use a rifle
well and respect the nature around him. Because of this training it prepared him for the day that he would earn the
"Expert Rifleman" badge in the army. Although he was an ordinary young man living in an extraordinary time through
the 'depression', he never lost the sense of who he was at heart---and his faith in God. His quiet, unassuming, yet engaging
personality propelled him to a different world he never knew, nor could have ever imagined.

On September 14, 1944 he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II.Traveling from different islands including
Saipan and Iwo Jima he knew his destination was Okinawa. During the last and bloodiest battle he was shot; this earning
him the 'Purple Heart Medal'. After coming home from war he went on to finish his education graduating from Indiana University
School of Education in '1949' with a Bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics. He also completed studies in School
Administration at Indiana University Graduate School in '1952' which certified him as an elementary and high school principal.
Previous credits transferred from Purdue University and later studies at the University of North Carolina contributed to the administrative degrees. He taught for 30 years in the Indiana public schools then finishing school life working 6 years in the
Northwest Independent School District located in north Texas, where he lived out his final years.

James was always ready for adventure including camping, traveling but most of all his favorite hobby was gardening. He had
a great love for God's creation of nature, but his love for Jesus, family, and country trumped it all.

Married 72 years and survived by his beloved wife Berline. Also his children: Bonnie Powell, Hervey (Kim) Willis, Patricia (Edward)
Turner, Alvin Willis, and Barbara DeAnn (William) Flint. Grandchildren: April (Rich) Gerberding, Erik (Andrea) Powell, Melissa
(Solomon) Sandoval, Jamey (Kim) Willis, Laura Willis, Julie Willis, Dawson Willis, Brittany (Phillip) Spencer, Benjamin (Laura)
Turner, Suzanne (Brad) Johnston, Rebecca (Tom) Sawyer, John Turner, Stephen (Alyssa) Turner, Penny (Albert) Lukkasson,
Gabriel Willis. Great-grandchildren: Jordan, Brielle, Charlotte, Sharyn, Christopher, Zack, Amey, Xavier, Naomi, Essie, Benjamin, Sarah,
Hannah, Grace, Samuel, Katherina, James, Marta, Nicholas, Peter, Anna, Isabelle, Tom, Brody, Gibson, Maya, Andre, Damien,
Jillian, Jesse, Lily, Carolina, Joseph, Emma, Eliora, Azriela, Adelayne.

Arrangements entrusted to Lucas Funeral Home - Keller Chapel