James Vincent Willis

James Vincent "JV" Willis passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at Southern Care Assisted
Living in Leon Springs, Texas. He was 85 years old.
Born in Freer, Texas on April 12, 1940, James lived a life guided by faith, compassion, and service to
others. After graduating from Freer High School in 1958, James worked for 43 years as a lineman at
the local electrical company. He and his wife, Nina, were married on September 23, 1961, and
celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Whether climbing electrical poles, playing football, or planting trees in his garden, James loved to stay
physically active and was heavily involved in his community. Driven by his passion for sports, James
devoted much of his time to coaching the Freer Little League baseball team, on which both of his sons
played. In addition to athletics, James had an artistic side and was known among his peers for creating
string art.
A devout Catholic, James served as the president of Freer's Parish Council for 25 years. He played an
instrumental role in the construction of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Freer, Texas, for which he
earned a Commendation from Pope John Paul II. It was at this church where James walked his
daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.
James had a profound fondness and appreciation for all living things. He raised numerous dogs and
cats throughout his life, and tended dutifully to the many deer, birds, and other wildlife he
encountered. James was also a skilled gardener; he loved flowers, trees, and greenery of all kinds, and
took great joy in sharing nature with the important people in his life. At his home in Freer, James
created three separate gardens, each dedicated to one of his granddaughters.
In 2006, following his retirement, James relocated with his wife to Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, where he
leaned into his creative pursuits. He could often be found coloring nature scenes. His favorite images
to color were those of butterflies. James also continued to enjoy gardening and watching
sports-being sure to never miss a Dallas Cowboys game.
James is preceded in death by parents James Franklin Willis and Alice Mae Machost Willis. He is
survived by his wife Nina Willis; children James Vincent Willis Jr., Melissa (Lee) Wolff, and William
"Bill" Willis; siblings Larry (Gene) and Jane Goodman; grandchildren Allison (Jason) Wolff Mihalski,
Mina Willis, and Caroline Wolff; and beloved dog Abby Rose.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 4, at 10 a.m., at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic
Church in Boerne, Texas, followed by a reception in the church's Cana Ballroom. A private burial will
occur at a later date, at Woodmen of the World Cemetery in Prairie Lea, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the American Heart
Association, or a charitable organization of your choice.
James's family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Mariana and Dan Cosa, and the entire
team at Southern Care Assisted Living; the nursing team at Pacific Hospice; and the Eucharistic
Ministers at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church for providing comfort and support to James during
his times of need. Thank you as well to the friends, colleagues, and loved ones who brought joy and
light to James over the years. Your mark on his life will never be forgotten.