James Francis Willey

James (Jim) Willey, 84, of Spring, Texas, died on March 5, 2026, due to complications associated with diabetes. Jim was born October 28, 1941, in North Conway, New Hampshire, the son of Francis Nelson Willey and Barbara Burnell Willey. Jim grew up in Gorham, New Hampshire and later moved to the Chicago area. He graduated from high school in 1959 from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois.

Jim attended college at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, receiving his bachelor's degree in Business in 1964. He met Lynne (Hovelson) Willey while both were attending Upper Iowa University and the couple married on November 28, 1964 in New Hartford, Iowa. They resided in Chicago until Jim went into the Army in 1966. Jim served in the Army at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, until his honorable discharge in 1968.

After Jim's discharge from the Army, Jim and Lynne stayed in El Paso and decided they wanted to make Texas their home. Jim went to work for Best Foods International (later Unilever) in 1967 and spent the next 33 years with the company, retiring as a regional sales manager in 2000. Jim and Lynne lived in San Antonio and later in the Houston area, residing in Tomball/Spring and The Woodlands.

Jim enjoyed many interests including gardening, genealogy, and reading books, especially those about the Civil War and anything written by John Grisham. Jim was an avid sports fan and faithfully followed the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame as well as the Houston Astros. In early years, Jim enjoyed snow skiing and then later took up golf, which became one of his favorite pastimes. Jim was a father to Patrick Willey and spent many years involved in Patrick's sports, particularly his swimming. Jim and Lynne often traveled to visit family in Iowa and New Hampshire, as well as Virginia and the Washington D.C. area. New Orleans was also a favorite travel destination.

Jim was a member of the Christ Church Methodist in The Woodlands and enjoyed attending services and Sunday School there. Known for his big heart, and keen sense of humor, Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Survivors include Jim's wife Lynne, of Spring, Texas, nieces Holly (Don) Smith of Powhatan, Virginia, Lisa Richards of Surprise, Arizona, grandnieces Meghan (Emanual) Resler of Baltimore, Maryland, Kalene (Barrett) Resler of the Dominican Republic, and their children Roscoe and Ramona, grandniece Lexi Richards of Goodyear, Arizona, and cousin Michelle Brooks of Center Conway, New Hampshire. Jim also leaves behind dear family friends Jerry and Betty Cullison, and their children Carissa Cullison Azemi, (Ari and Isla), Landon (Rebekah), (Lilly and Evie).

A celebration of life will be scheduled in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Christ Church Methodist, 6363 Research Forest Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381 or Houston Christway Ministries, 14610 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77086.