James R. Willison Sr.

Surviving are his 4 loving sons, Jim (Amy) Willison Jr of Dyer IN, Steve (Cindy) Willison of Demotte IN, Chuck Willison of Conifer, CO, Yusef (Samantha) Mohmed of Houston TX; Grandchildren Anthony (Amanda), Eamon, Ariel ( Dustin ), Jake, Nick, Jason, Isaiah, Allistair; 7 great grandchildren, sister, Chris Beam of Hobart, IN; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sons Michael and Joseph; mother, Patricia; brothers, Rusty, Richard and Matthew; sister Sharon.

Devoted and loving partner of over 25 years Gloria Palmer, who was his best friend he cared so deeply for.

Jim was born in Hammond, Indiana and graduated from Tolleston High School in 1962.

After high school Jim enlisted in the US Army as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne, Fort Campbell, KY. He was extremely proud of his military career and created many lifelong bonds with his Screaming Eagle brothers.

Upon his honorable discharge from the military in 1965, Jim began his legendary steel career as a salesman at US Steel. From there he managed several steel service centers before opening his own steel company, Allstate Steel and Tin which he operated until his retirement in 2000.

Retirement meant a lot of free time and he filled that time with golf, golf and more golf. Jim became an avid golfer, golfing literally every day, sometimes golfing 36 holes a day. He was a member at both Summertree and Robbinhurst golf courses. He had many golfing buddies that he loved to play with but there was absolutely nothing he enjoyed more than golfing with his sons and grandsons.

When not golfing, Jim spent a lot of time volunteering within his community with the Portage Resale Shop and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He was an avid Elvis and Bears fan.

Jim had an incredible sense of humor and an unbelievable heart of gold. He was the rock and patriarch of the family and will always be forever irreplaceable.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 10:00 am until the time of his funeral service at 1:00 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.