James R. Willis

Our dear Jim Willis passed peacefully into eternal life on Friday morning, January 5, 2018.   Born on November 9, 1927, in LaGrange, GA, Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rita Garyantes Willis; his son, Jay (Susan) and daughter, Kathy (Brian).  He is also survived by four grandchildren, Patrick Brockson (Susi), Elizabeth Vela (Cory), and Kelly Brockson, as well as Melissa Willis; and his great-granddaughter, Emily Brockson. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Margaret Ann Weidemann, Barbara Garyantes, Gerry Garyantes; and brothers-in-law, Larry Garyantes, Fred Garyantes; and many treasured nieces and nephews.  Always there, were two dogs, and Dixie and Annie will miss him with us.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Sarah, Bub, Margaret, and Steve.  He has a sister, Katherine Carlyle of Duluth, Georgia.

Following his enlistment in the Navy in 1945, he went on to graduate from Georgia Tech.  Jim worked for the Du Pont Company in textile fibers for 35 years and retired in 1985.  He was then able to enjoy many years of gardening, traveling, bridge, baseball and, most importantly, his family.

He was a “true Southern Gentleman”, inherently considerate and kind, who consistently lived the virtues of integrity, honesty, gentleness, loyalty, and, of course, wisdom and common sense.  His signature characteristic, though, was his sense of humor - he made us laugh.  He was blessed with a loving family, extended family and many friends who appreciated and respected him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707, where family and friends may visit beginning at 9:30am. Interment will be held privately with Jim’s family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Mary of the Assumption Church Lazarus Ministry at the address above or Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.

 Service Information