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Pastor James Richard Willett

1946 - 2019

BORN

1946

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

MacAlpine Funeral Home, Inc. - Mac Chapel - Bad Axe

302 North Hanselman Street

Bad Axe, Michigan

James Willett Obituary

Pastor James "Jim" Richard Willett, of Bad Axe, passed away unexpectedly at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma on July 7, 2019 at the age of 73. James was born in Sandusky, MI, on Jan. 15, 1946. He was the fourth of eight children and was taught the family trade of brick/stone masonry. However, at a very early age, Jim felt the Lord calling him into ministry. He would arrive home from school, grab his Bible, and walk out into the woods behind his parent's home where he would preach to the trees. Jim married Judy McWilliams on Feb. 27, 1965, and their ministry together began immediately. They accepted their first pastorate in Carsonville at the age of 20. Three years later, Jim felt the Lord leading him to pioneer a new work. In 1968, he and his small family moved to Bad Axe and began having Sunday services in the Farm Bureau Insurance building. During this season of life Jim also sold Kirby vacuum cleaners to support his growing family. The Lord showed his blessing and shortly thereafter the church was able to purchase a small Presbyterian church on Rescue Road. As the church grew, so did the vision. Today, Faith Gospel Tabernacle stands as a testament to the Lord's blessing and call so many years ago. In June of 1996, Jim and Judy once again felt the Lord leading them in a new direction. The ministry of Faith Gospel was turned over to his daughter and son-in-law, Pastor Mike and Lynette Beeler. Jim and Judy began full time evangelism giving birth to Healing Word Ministry. For the past 50 years Jim has passionately preached God's Word and loved people. Over the last 30 years Jim has also played a key role in the ministry of Blossoming Rose which blesses the land of Israel. He has used his masonry skills to help rebuild and restore archaeological projects. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed golfing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Jim never forgot the importance of passing on the legacy of faith to each generation. He felt it was his continued duty to instruct his household in the ways of the Lord. He and Judy have prayed fervently that all of their children through four generations will serve the Lord and their circle will be unbroken. James is survived by his wife Judith Ann Willett; children Melissa (Michael) Dodder, Jamey (Mark) Willett/Parker, Lynette (Michael) Beeler, Richard (Carol) Willett, Kristen Willett (James Ziegler); 12 grandchildren: Courtney, Nicholas, Cassidy, Hannah, Sierra, Mikayla, Gabriella, Seth, Sydney, My-Aisha, Masonry, & Malique; siblings: Bernice Sobczak, Sylvia Moeller, Laura Emmerson, Delberta Gordon, Delton Willett, and Glenda Wrubel. James is preceded in death by his parents Glenn & Pauline Willett, one brother, Lawrence "Larry" Willett; and three brothers-in-law: Larry Moeller, Donald Gordon, and Raymond Holubec. The funeral will take place 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Faith Gospel Tabernacle (3108 Rescue Road, Bad Axe). Pastor Mike Beeler will officiate the service. Showings will take place on Saturday, July 13, from 2 to 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. until time of service. A family discretionary fund has been set up to help Judy with ongoing financial obligations and care as Jim was her sole provider and caregiver. Contributions can either be made directly to her or to FGT. Please designate "Willett family" on your contribution. Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Huron Daily Tribune on Jul. 12, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Willett

Sponsored by MacAlpine Funeral Home, Inc. - Mac Chapel - Bad Axe.

Not sure what to say?





Richard&Janice&Diane Bookout

April 25, 2020

We loved him very much!

April Shenandoah

July 25, 2019

My heart is saddened at the loss of Jim. We had a few get togethers at Morningside in MO. At that time we had a feeling that we would someday do something for the ministry together. Recently he has been on my mind to phone and tell him that I was coming to Michigan and we could talk about a future endeavor. My heart goes out to his precious wife Judy (you are in God's hands). If anyone has not read his books try to find one - they are written as straight from the Holy Spirit. Born to Believe is one of my favorites. Jim perhaps our assignment of teaming up is in a heavenly realm, or maybe I am to keep your memory alive with your inspiring books. Friends: Jim is more alive than ever - he has just changed his address.

Yvonne King

July 17, 2019

Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know he was a great man of God and touched many lives, as did you. And your family also. You have a remarkable family.

Remembering you with special thoughts and prayers during this time. Yvonne King

Vicky & Dave McGriff

July 14, 2019

What an amazing man of God, and husband. He not only showed is love for the Lord but to an amazing woman of God, his wife. My husband and I will truly miss Pastor Willett. Our thought and prayers go out to the family.

Jill & Greg Edwards

July 14, 2019

So great full for his ministry. Thank you

Barbara Pitcher

July 13, 2019

He was an awesome pastor. So knowledgeable ad kind. So sorry for the familys loss.

Mary & Larry Toneff

July 13, 2019

Judy, our heart goes out to you & your family. Jim was such a precious man of God; a servant of Our Lord & we will miss him greatly. We all know that we will see him again in the mansion that our Lord prepared for him. What a day that will be when our Jesus we shall see. You & Jim were such spiritual Blessings to Larry & I & we Praise God for it. We will continue to keep you in our prayers always. We will not be able to be with you Sunday; I know there will be standing room only. Love, Mary & Larry Toneff
Toneff

Kenneth and Jeanette Amanfo

July 13, 2019

I will truly miss you. Your life has been one of honor and loyalty. God brought you into the world to make it a better place fir so many including me. Tell our family how much i love n miss them too.

Ron Landenberg

July 12, 2019

Your greatly miss my friend, but we will see you at the Marriage supper of the Lamb.

Pat McWilliams & family

July 11, 2019

I miss you already Jim I will always remember the times we were together with you & Judy , the laughs we had ! Hug my hubby Arlie for me , & we will see you again in heaven.!!!

Lila Fortner

July 11, 2019

I was so saddened to hear about Jim. Words can not express how I feel, for the time I knew Jim. May you find comfort in the memories and stories you will be sharing as you celebrate the life of Jim. Please accept my sincerest condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Rich Willett

July 11, 2019

Dad, my heart will ache the rest of my life. I can't imagine living life without hearing your voice. I hold tight the memories, words if encouragement, love, prayers, and example you lived. Me, Carol, Seth, and Sydney miss you like crazy. Thank you for being my dad.

Larry & Pamela Dietz Sr

July 11, 2019

Jim & Judy were special friends and we will miss seeing them and he will be missed.

Dave Bette

July 11, 2019

Only met Jim once it was at a revival service in badax and I went with Rich he introduced us and we had the opportunity to sit down for a meal and over the course of meal the subject of my back and the issues I was having with my discs came up and he got up right away came over to my side and proceeded to pray for me it was a testament to both his faith and his compassion for others I a a better man because of his son Rich and I will be always grateful for meeting him.

William & Terri Ratliff

July 11, 2019

We selfishly cry for the loss of Jims presence in our world. Jim, so in love with our Lord, so honored to serve Him. But, as Christians we know the gifts Jim has received as heaven rejoiced when Jesus escorted him in to his well earned heavenly home. We continue our prayers for God to lift you all, giving peace as you look upon the legacy of love and commitment Jim selflessly provided. Love,

Joe Hensley

July 11, 2019

Jim was such a blessing. We I got to hear him preach here in saint Louis I knew I would get a word directly from God. He didn't sugar coat anything. Truly a man of God.

A shepherds heart... just like Jesus

Jamey Willett-Parker

July 11, 2019

My dad, mentor and friend- he was a gift from God. There has to be a bigger picture in all of this. Prov 3:5&6

Rich Wi8

July 10, 2019

This picture was taken shortly before my dad was hit. He recieved this hatchet as an award for being a pioneer in ministry. His ministry extended far beyond the church doors though. Anyone who met dad was impacted on a personal level. He always looked for opportunities to bless people and share Christs love. I will miss dad greatly. The phone calls, golf games, holidays, and hearing him preach. All those things that ive always taken for granted, but will miss so much. I love you dad. Thank you for being the most amazing father.

Don and Saundra Brown

July 10, 2019

He leaves a legacy that touched countless lives. He is a testimony of the Great Commission.

Charles and Janice Clark

July 10, 2019

Charles and I dearly loved our beloved Jim and we'll miss him greatly. As I was pondering why things turned out the way they did I was reminded of the scripture where Jesus told his disciples to tell those that questioned why they were taking the colt they were to say the master hath need of it. Apparently the master had need of Jim because we all know that it was in His power to raise Jim up so we need to rejoice with Jim because we know he's rejoicing in the presence of our precious savior. We love you family and we are praying for you that the Peace of almighty God rests in your heart during this very hard time.

Tanya Mitchell

July 10, 2019

What an impact he had on my life! I feel so honored to have known him.

Love and prayers to you all.

Stephen Paruch

July 10, 2019

I'll always remember you and I going deer hunting together. You were always a comfort to be around. I'll see you soon.

Nina Green

July 10, 2019

Jim has. Even a big part of my life. He being my husbands (Larry Green) cousin he was best man st our wedding in 1963. When Larry got cancer Jim called regularly and prayed fervently for him. When Larry was put in ICU the night before he passed away Jim called again with a prayer of peaceful passing. It meant so very much to us and our girls. He will be missed here on earth but I can imagine the look on his face when he gazed at his Lord Jesus Christ. He was certainly a blessing.

Nancy and Ed Sanders

July 10, 2019

Such a real Christian man with so much love, when we were all young teens we used to have some fantastic meetings in his Aunts Garage, He never changed we will miss the wonderful visits here in Georgia. We cant be there at this time but we will be praying for your wonderful family.

Brian Meyer

July 10, 2019

Pastor Jim had a great impact upon my life as a kid. We had the greatest youth group ever. I have fond memories of him and the church whether it be a youth group event or working side by side with him laying block for the "new" church. I am sorry for the human loss, but Heaven gained a very good man.

Jerry & Sheila Davis

July 9, 2019

You will be missed Jim, we are praying for all those who loved you so very much. Judy we love you and would like to hug you. Love Jerry and Sheila

Eva Mcwilliams

July 9, 2019

Jim was a great man. I will miss him dearly, his prayers, his calls, his preaching, his news letters. I have a life time of memories to cherish of Jim. Heaven has gained a mighty Angel ❤

Gareth Krueger

July 9, 2019

So many good things I can say about Pastor Jim Willett. This is the man who taught me my very first understanding of the Word. And such a part of all his children's lives growing up together. He will be missed and its great, great to be a believer and know beyond a shadow of the doubt, we won't weep long, because we will all join him in heaven whenever that time may come! Rejoice for his love for Jesus and the love for his family has already left a legacy not many men could ever dream of leaving!

Pastor R B and Doris Newberry

July 9, 2019

Pastor R B Newberry and I will always hold Pastor James Willet close to our hearts. He will be greatly missed.

Family man

Melissa Dodder

July 9, 2019

My dad lived life with the "big picture" in mind. He lived life "on purpose". I'm so thankful for the legacy of faith passed on to me. Dad, I love you.

Jim and Priscilla Solomon

July 9, 2019

Our deepest sorrow for the passing of our dear brother in the Lord. Continually praying for the Willett family.

Pastor Gary Bugaiski

July 9, 2019

I pastored the Gagetown Church of the Nazarene during the mid 1970's alongside Brother Willet's ministry at Faith Gospel Tabernacle Church. Brother Jim Willet was a huge influence on my young life as a pastor in those days. He and I organized a successfull effort to remove a topless dancer's bar in Gagetown. Pastor Jim taught me all things were possible with God ( except any ability to play golf on my part )....thanks for trying anyway. I hope to see you just inside the 'Eastern Gate'....Pastor Gary Bugaiski, Port Huron, Michigan

Mary Popham

July 9, 2019

So sorry for your loss! You are in my prayers.

Janet Rotger

July 9, 2019

A wonderful man of God who loved people so much he had to share with them the way to salvation. The world has lost a precious saint but he has gained the desire of his heart to hear well done thou good and faithful servent. He will be greatly missed.

James Ziegler

July 9, 2019

Praying for the family

Lily Sargent

July 9, 2019

Pastor Jim was my friend before he was my Pastor. He was the epitome of the good shepherd. His kindness and gentle spirit even made some of my grandchildren think he was God when they were small. John 10:11-18: "I Am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep." His job was not always an easy one. He understood the work of a spiritual shepherd, and he took it very seriously. He was devoted to guide, encourage, and restore people back into relationship with the Father. He wasn't alone on this journey. He had the love of his life (Judy) and the bonding of the Holy Spirit. Together, they moved mountains. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Sandy Campbell

July 9, 2019

Bro. Willett was an integral part of my life as a teenager, teaching solid Word that I had never heard before and showing the love of God like no one I had ever met. As I became an adult, his steadfast love and devotion for Sis. Judy struck a chord deep within me. I was honored to edit a couple of his books and the steadfastness of his faith inspired me. I witnessed first hand his compassion for people and his longing to share Jesus with them. He was a remarkable man on this earth and is a remarkable testimony of a true disciple in Heaven. I love you, Bro. Willett!

Tangi Hobgood

July 9, 2019

What a legacy Brother Willett has left for his family and for the Kingdom! Knowing he is with his King brings joy to our hearts. He shall be greatly missed because he was greatly loved. Praying for healing and strength during this time of transition for Judy and the rest of the family.

Debi Ackerman

July 9, 2019

Our community has lost a great man of God who tirelessly worked to share the love of Jesus wherever he went.
He will be missed. Prayers for his family and especially Judy.

Barb, Brian and Kelly Kube

July 9, 2019

Continued Prayers for the family during this difficult time and also for Healing for Judy. He will be missed by many, but we know he is smiling big in Heaven. He is home!

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Jul

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Viewing

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Faith Gospel Tabernacle

MI

Jul

14

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2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Faith Gospel Tabernacle

MI

Jul

14

Funeral

3:00 p.m.

Faith Gospel Tabernacle

3108 Rescue Road, Bad Axe, MI

Funeral services provided by:

MacAlpine Funeral Home, Inc. - Mac Chapel - Bad Axe

302 North Hanselman Street, Bad Axe, MI 48413

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