Obituary of James Willis

James Edward Willis, 73, of Fairdealing, MO, went home to Heaven October 16, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his family. Mr. Willis was born October 19, 1936 in Harvey, Iowa to the late William and Sally Jo Willis. Mr. Willis was a veteran of the United States Air Force and previously worked at John Deere in Poplar Bluff, MO. On November 29, 1959 he was united in marriage with Marlene Willis in Spearfish, South Dakota. She preceded him in death on October 21, 2005. Mr. Willis was a true man of God. He loved God and his family with all of his heart. He was an extremely loving husband, father, and grandpa and an all around extraordinary man. He enjoyed fishing, attending church, and most of all spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Surviving are two children and their spouses, Jim and Debbie Willis, and Teresa and Mike Sopko, all of Fairdealing; ten grandchildren, April and Terry Slayton, Jessica and Marty Czerwonka, Lindsey Willis, Jonathan Sopko, Sarah Sopko, Jason and Jennifer Sopko, and Craig Sopko; eight great-grandchildren, Emily Slayton, Landon Slayton, Wade Sopko, Cecily Sopko, Kade Sopko, Emery Sopko, Lexee Czerwonka, and Nolan Czerwonka. Also surviving are two brothers, Bob Willis of Holt, MO and Dick Willis of Bardstowns, KY and sister Audrey Walker of Des Moines, IA. Mr. Willis was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sally Joe Willis, and one brother Bill Willis. Visitation will be 5-8pm Monday October 18 at Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. Funeral Services will be 10 AM Tuesday October 19 at Pilgrims Rest Church with Rev. Marvin Richards and Rev. Ron Payne officiating. Burial will follow at the Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, with Military Honors.