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1945 - 2004
Age: 59
WILLSEA, James A.
Paw Paw
Passed away surrounded by a prayer circle of family Wednesday evening, November 3, 2004 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Jim was born Aug. 20, 1945 in Paw Paw, Michigan the son of the late William W. and Madge M. (Churchill) Willsea. He was a graduate of Paw Paw High School Class of 1964. He was employed by Eatons Mfg. Company and then the Eckrich Company, Kalamazoo. He was a member of the 12th Street Baptist Church, Kalamazoo and a member of the Kalamazoo Masonic Lodge. Jim had a great love for his family and grandchildren as well as attending family activities. Besides his parents Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn (Brooks) Willsea on Feb. 5, 1997; 2 brothers, Wendell and Claude Willsea; sister-in-law, Ann Willsea; mother-in-law, Dena Mejeur; former father-in-law, James Brooks, and former brother-in-law James R. Brooks. Surviving are his wife, Ruth (Mejeur) Willsea of Paw Paw; son, Rob (Jennifer) Willsea and their children, Haley, Noah and Jacob of Grand Rapids; daughter, Joette (Bill) Wyman and their children, Seth, Shane and Sarah of Paw Paw; daughter, Jennifer (Eric) Huffman and their son, Nathan of Traverse City; 2 brothers, Lewis (Peggy) Willsea and Maurice Willsea all of Gobles; 2 sisters, Freida (James) Amos of Gobles and Laurel (Dale) Sherburn of Paw Paw; former mother-in-law, Betty Jo Brooks of Portage; father-in-law, Jerry Mejeur of Portage; brother-in-law, Tom (Jodie) Mejeur of Lawton; 2 sisters-in-law, Wealthy Willsea of Paw Paw and Jane Willsea of Valparaiso, IN, 2 former sisters-in-law, Karen Brooks of Kalamazoo and Sandra Schmidt of Portage; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; many special friends. Family will receive friends Friday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the ADAMS Funeral Home, Paw Paw and Saturday 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the 12th Street Baptist Church, Kalamazoo where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery, Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. |
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There are currently 6 condolences.
Sharlie Schuler Mello
sharlie_m@hotmail.com
Sunday December 5, 2004 at
1:05 PM
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I first met Jim when he began dating Carolyn, my best friend from junior high and high school. I last saw Jim when he so thoughtfully showed up at my brother Mick's funeral this last June in Kalamazoo. I hadn't seen Jim in many years and appreciated so very much his being there for me. When Joette was just a baby I spent many a long night keeping her mother company when Jim worked the late shift. The thing that impressed me most about Jim was his wonderful, even disposition. He was always the same caring man, even after coming home from work after midnight. He truly loved his family and I could tell from our talk this summer how much he cared for Ruth and what a help she was to him. God bless and hold you all in His loving care. ~ Sharlie
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Beverly Terrill
bterrill2004@yahoo.com
Tuesday November 9, 2004 at
5:30 PM
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Dear Family,
I am a member at 12th St Baptist. I had an opportunity just a few weeks ago to tell Jim what an inspiration he was to me. He was a wonderful person and so very spiritual. Our church has lost a wonderful member. I extend my love, prayers and sympathy to you all.
Love, Beverly
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aaron frazee
mudlight@mac.com
Monday November 8, 2004 at
11:18 AM
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Dear Rob,
I recently received word of your father’s passing, and this was the only address I could find, digital or otherwise. I would like to offer you my deepest sympathy. It has been a number of years since we have seen each other. However, during the time I knew your family, I can honestly say that you all displayed kindness and integrity. I think of those formative years (many of them spent on a mat) with a certain fondness. Your father’s work ethic and sense of priority were thankfully instilled in his children. You and your siblings’ families are now part of his legacy. Please give my best to Jennifer.
Sincerely,
Aaron Frazee
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Sandra Mitchell Wallace
Saturday November 6, 2004 at
9:19 AM
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I was a classmate of Jim's I will always remember his smile and his kindness. I know that God will keep him safe. My prayers go out to the family.
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Jimmy Jackson
james.c.jackson@vanderbilt.edu
Friday November 5, 2004 at
9:22 PM
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It was with much sadness that I learned about the death of Jim Willsea, who I always had a great fondness for. Although I had not crossed paths with him for many years (I no longer live in MI), I would occasionally ask my parents if they had seen him at the grocery store or around town and frequently wondered how he was managing. During my middle school and high school years and thereafter, when his son Rob and I were close friends, I was in his home regularly and interacted with him at wrestling meets and many other places. He was always very gentle and encouraging, and I admired his committment to his wife and children while also greatly appreciating how freely he welcomed me into his family.
He was a good man who valued the things that were ultimately important and who lived his life with humility and integrity. I wish to extend my prayers and condolences to his family because although Jim is with the Lord in a better place, his passing represents a painful loss.
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Brian and Deb True
bandtrue@yahoo.com
Friday November 5, 2004 at
4:39 PM
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Dear Family - we were all stunned to hear the news of Jim's passing. Our hearts are filled with sadness as you are going through this hard time. However, I know that Jim's faith was strong and I know there is comfort that comes in knowing he is in a wonderful place now. Smiles will come in time as you will know he is looking in on you and looking out for you. Brian and I are thankful we got to spend some quality time with Jim and Ruth at their home not too long ago. We had a great time together. Jim impressed me as being a man who was full of love and compassion - he made that obvious when we came to Carolyn's funeral and he was sitting in a wheelchair and reached out for me and told me to "stay well". He knew the battle I had fought with cancer and was telling me to stay well as he was saying goodbye to his Carolyn. I have never forgotten that moment. He will be missed for sure. We are proud to say we were friends !!!!Fondly, Brian and Deb True
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