James Willis, Jr.

James Willis, Jr., 58, of Murphysboro, Illinois was called home while at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.  He was born September 3, 1963 in Cairo, Illinois to James Willis, Sr. and Mamie Jean Johnson Willis.

He loved the Lord. James was a member of Church of Christ in Mounds, Illinois. He later would deepen his faith by fellowshipping at Hopewell Baptist in Carbondale, Illinois under the leadership of Pastor Christopher E. Swims.

James graduated from Cairo High School in Cairo, Illinois in 1981. While there, he found his passion playing football.  He also excelled on the basketball team and ran track.

On May 4, 2015, James united in marriage to Sharon Kay Viel-Willis in Murphysboro, Illinois.

James was a hard-working man. He worked with his Dad at IGA, at the Fire Department, and as an auxillary police officer for the city of Cairo.  He ultimately retired from the city of Cairo after 22 years with the Street Department.

He was happiest when he was dancing. In his free time, he enjoyed listening to gospel music and singing.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Charles Willis, and his sister, Audra Willis.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife, Sharon Viel-Willis of the home, five sons, James Micheal, Sherrod (Shareeta) Willis, and Jerrod (Marie) Willis all of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, James Willis, III of Houston, Texas, and Samuel Cobin of Murphysboro, Illinois, seven daughters, Shayla Brooker and Cadesia Willis both of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Denise Willis of Collinsville, Illinois, Ishida Mitchell of Bloomington, Illinois, Tiffina Jones and Jalisa Willis of Paducah, Kentucky, and Moriah Williams of Carbondale, Illinois, two sisters, Linda Spicer of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Rochelle Wade of Wendell, North Carolina, a special brother, Thomas (Penny) Mays, a special cousin/sister, Rhonda Williams of Omaha, Nebraska, 21 grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.