James N. Willis lll

1971 - 2019

James N. Willis lll, Born July 21, 1971 Obituary - the hardest thing that a father and mother have to write. On January 23, 2019 James N. Willis lll, Jimmy or Jim to most, died in Lahey Hospital of heart failure. At his side were his parents, Barbara and Jim Willis. He lived in Framingham for the last 10 years but also claimed Marlborough, Acton, and Littleton NH as home. He found and kept friends in every place he lived. He filled up a room with his quick wit, big laugh, and had an opinion on everything. He was adept with children, able to quickly relate to them. He identified with the powerless, collecting stray cats, dogs, birds, and even snakes that needed a home. Jims life was a struggle and full of challenges. He suffered from ADD, bipolar disorder, and a propensity for self-medication. Reading was unbelievably hard and math was no better. But with understanding teachers from the Carroll School, he finished high school. Jimmy went on to work in jobs in which he was appreciated - at a molding factory and at restaurants in Littleton NH and as the manager of a pizza restaurant in West Acton. Always the mental disorders and self-medication cut short success. Psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, doctors and social workers all tried to help, and for them we are so appreciative. Jimmy had a volatile temper, but he was also caring and funny, prone to self-deprecating humor, that his family, friends, teachers, co-workers, and legions of health professionals put up with him. Life for Jimmy was hard but he lived it fully and to his best ability. Finally his system that had rallied so many times in the past failed him. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Barbara of Acton MA, his sister, Lauren Willis, her husband, Jonathan Weissglass, and nieces Mira and Danica of Berkeley CA, his close friend Brian, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and by the many people he touched over his 47 years. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Service on Sunday, January 27 at South Acton Congregational Church, 35 School St., Acton MA at 3 p.m. Additional parking behind the South Acton Fire Station. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to South Acton Congregational Church, 35 School St., Acton MA 01720; to NAMI Mass, The Schraft Center, 529 Main St., Suite 1M17, Boston MA 02129, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Concord. For online guest book please visit www.deefuneralhome.com.