James Allen Willy

Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life, Marie A. Willy; daughter, Gayla Herbel; brothers, Gene Willy and George (Pete) Willy; and both parents. He is survived by sons, Robert L. (Pete) Ammel, James Mark Willy, and Greg Griffith; daughter, Jennifer Mesler; daughters-in-law, Brenda Willy and Penny Griffith; sisters, Carol Adam and Marie Sulze; a dear friend, Cindy Edwards; grandchildren Shelly Rodriguez , Phillip Ammel, LaRissa Willy, Keegan Willy, Adam Kimler, Greg Griffith, Jr., Cary Jo McAdams, and eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jim served in the United States Army, and was stationed at Ft. Carson, where he fell in love with Colorado Springs. Following an honorable discharge from the Army, he remained in Colorado Springs, making it his home. He opened Jim’s Auto, where he serviced and repaired cars, and built and owned several successful stock cars. Later, he and his wife, Marie, owned and operated Checker Towing, from which he retired in 2018.

Jim loved collecting old cars, trucks, and tractors, and bringing them back to life. He loved watching all car races, especially the stock car races when his son and granddaughter were behind the wheel. He loved his family and his many friends. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles for over 20 years, and he was recently inducted into the Colorado Race Car Hall of Fame. He will be remembered as one of the “West Side Legends” of Colorado Springs.

Fly high Jim Willy, until we meet again.

Services will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2030 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs, CO, on August 18, 2021 at 10:00AM, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery, 1000S. 26th St., Colorado Springs, CO. Viewing will be at Swan Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO, on August 17 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. There will be reception following the burial service at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1050 S. 21st St., Colorado Springs, CO.