James Willson

Willson, James (Jim) 6/26/1945 - 8/29/2022, Age 77, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away peacefully from his battle with cancer in Sarasota, FL. Jim was born June 26, 1945 in Long Beach, CA, the son of George Ream and Ida May (Bresson) Willson. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne (Skartsiaris) Willson, a daughter, Maria Willson, and by his parents. He graduated from University High School and was married to his high school sweetheart, Joanne, for 55 years. Their most precious time was spent with family, but they also enjoyed cheering on Notre Dame football and Detroit Tiger baseball. Jim also enjoyed time spent playing golf. His motto was "six Saturdays and a Sunday." Jim began his career as a journeymen plumber and pipefitter and worked for over 20 years as a lifetime member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA Local 357). He then worked for over 25 years for Lathrop (Turner Construction Company) as a project manager for industrial construction, which included the oversight and construction of many automobile paint shops here in the "States" and abroad in England. Surviving are his son, James A. (Kimberly) Willson II; his daughter, Lisa (James) Lamb; brothers: Thomas (Paula) Willson and William Willson; grandchildren: Bradley Willson, Angela (James) Willson-Conrad, Shaun McIntyre, Andrea (Joseph) Korwin, Jamie McIntyre; James (Kelly) Lamb; and Jennifer (Brian) Lohroff. great-grandchildren: Emma Claire Korwin and Grace Joanne Conrad; Callahan, Hudson, Beckett, Oliver, Lincoln Lamb; Emily and Max Lohroff; his nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Basil) Powers, their children Violet (goddaughter), Archie, Theo; and David Willson. Jim's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM Friday, September 16th at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 West Centre Ave., Portage. The service will also be streamed live on the church's website. A light luncheon will follow at the church where all will be welcome to share memories of Jim's life. Close family and friends will also have a private interment at Portage Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions, in memoriam, to the Joanne Willson Memorial Pitching Machine Tournament by mail to 1136 Chaucer Ave, Portage, MI 49002 (checks should be made out to Michigan District 15)