Willard B. "Jamie" James

Willard "Jamie" B. James, 86, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on February 13, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on March 13, 2026, at the Moose Lodge, 1820 West Post Road SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. All who knew and loved Jamie are welcome to join in celebrating his life.

Jamie was born May 27, 1939, in Coggan, Iowa, to Willard E. and Gladys (McFarland) James. He graduated from McKinley High School in 1957. He worked at Wilson's Packing until its closure and later held various maintenance positions in Cedar Rapids before retiring.

Jamie was an easygoing man who truly went with the flow. He had a laid-back way about him and found joy in good company and familiar places. Whether through his work or time spent at his favorite local gathering spots, he built lasting friendships and enjoyed sharing stories, laughter, and simple conversation. The friendships he built and the stories he shared will live on with those who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Jeff; daughter, Lisa; daughter-in-law, Tina; sisters, Maelene (Bobbie) Weston and Rosalee Franklin; brother-in-law, Larry Franklin; several nieces and nephews; four grandchildren, John (Amanda) James, Kayla (Chris) Orr, Justin (Caitie) James, and Amber James (Nick Brabandt); seven great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Jaxon James; James, Nolan, and Charlotte Orr; and Alexia and Noah Brabandt. He also leaves behind Jennifer Kupka (Justin), Russell Martin (Sheilah), and Jason Martin, whom he embraced as his own, along with their children, who knew him as a loving grandfather figure.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lori James; son, Chuck James; their mother, Carol James; his fiancée, Judith Martin; brother-in-law, Lyle Weston; and his nephew, Tim Franklin.