James Wills Obituary
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Born in Oakland, California, and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Jim led a life full of curiosity, adventure, and service. He earned degrees in business, and his career spanned teaching, consulting, and leadership roles at the University of Hawai'i Manoa. Jim had a heart for learning and a passion for mentoring others, always eager to share ideas and encouragement.
Jim was also a man of deep faith and quiet generosity. He was a longtime church member and actively supported programs that served families, children, and kupuna.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Wills; children, JR III (Michelle) Wills, Joseph Wills, Jason Wills and Jennifer (Scott) Drake; granddaughters, Emma (AJ) Sheppard, Jessica Drake, Rebecca Drake, Vanessa Drake, and Faith Wills; grandsons, James Drake, John-Jon Drake, Tyler(Ruth) Muckenthaler, (hanai) Kai Iwai-King, Riku Iwai-King; Great Grandson, Shep Sheppard; sisters, Jeanie Canfield and Cindy (Kevin) Wilson; brother Steven (Connie) Wills, sister-in-law Cindy (Hari) Burkhardt, beloved nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Wills, Sr. and Wanda Saylor; his in-laws, Paul and Louise Burkhardt; and daughter-in-law Linda Wills.
Visitation at 10am, with service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 26, at Community Church of Honolulu, followed by lunch. The service will be live streamed at:
https://www.youtube.com/live/FFb0M0R6YvM
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Church of Honolulu, https://www.communitychurchofhonolulu.org/donate, a portion of which will go to Meals on Wheels, Family Hui, and Tutu and Me or Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, 245 N Kukui St #102, Honolulu, HI 96817 https://www.kidshurttoo.org
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James Wills Jr., please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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