James Francis Willey

James Willey, known to most as Jim, passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 84 in Spring, Texas, following complications from diabetes. Born on October 28, 1941, in North Conway, New Hampshire, to Francis Nelson Willey and Barbara Burnell Willey, Jim grew up in Gorham, New Hampshire, before moving to the Chicago area. He graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, in 1959, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business from Upper Iowa University in 1964. It was there that he met Lynne Hovelson; the two married on November 28, 1964, in New Hartford, Iowa.

After a period in Chicago, Jim served in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1968. He and Lynne chose to remain in Texas, making it their permanent home. Jim began his career with Best Foods International, later Unilever, in 1967 and retired after 33 years as a regional sales manager in 2000. The couple lived in San Antonio before settling in the Houston area, in Tomball, Spring, and The Woodlands.

Jim found joy in gardening, genealogy, and reading, especially books on the Civil War and the works of John Grisham. A devoted sports fan, he followed Notre Dame football and the Houston Astros. He loved snow skiing in his younger years and later embraced golf. He was deeply involved in his son Patrick’s life and athletic pursuits, particularly swimming. Jim and Lynne cherished travels to visit family in Iowa, New Hampshire, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. area, with New Orleans remaining a favorite destination. A longtime member of Christ Church Methodist in The Woodlands, Jim was known for his big heart and keen sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Lynne Willey of Spring, Texas, along with his nieces Holly (Don) Smith of Powhatan, Virginia, and Lisa Richards of Surprise, Arizona; grandnieces Meghan (Emmanuel) Resler of Baltimore, Maryland, and 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) and Landon (Rebekah) and their daughters Lilly and Evie.