James Russell Willis II

James “Jim” Russell Willis II, devoted husband, faithful servant of Jesus, cherished and adored “Papa Bear” and “Boppa”, life of the party and jokester, man of character, and avid football fan left his earthly home for the glory of Heaven on Sunday February 6, 2022.

Jim was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 2, 1950 to James R. Willis Sr. and Martha Walton-Willis. He was the oldest of three brothers, John and Joseph. Jim often shared stories of the trouble he and his brothers would get into. The Willis family moved to Denver, Colorado when Jim was in preschool. Jim and his father James Sr. bonded through their dedicated involvement and enjoyment of Boy Scouts of America. Jim was proudly awarded the highest level of achievement for BSA by earning the Eagle Scout rank. Jim graduated from George Washington High School in Denver. He went on to achieve his Bachelors in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder and became a lifelong CU Buffaloes fan after graduating.

Jim accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at a young age. He spent his life intentionally embodying Christ in how he wholeheartedly and humbly served his church, family and those around him.

He strove to share the Gospel with anyone he bumped into. Jim and his family attended Riverside Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado for much of his younger years. In his twenties, Jim served in Ethiopia as a missionary. His spiritual service overseas provided the cornerstone from which his lifelong passion for his faith and service for Jesus progressed. When Jim returned to Colorado he joyfully committed to again serving his church Riverside Baptist. It was at Riverside, that Jim met the love of his life, Annie Dodd. Jim had a reputation of charming all the ladies in the singles class at Riverside. It took Jim seven years, to gain the courage to ask Annie out on a date. He had prayed that God would allow them to bump into each other so he could make his move. After only eight dates, Jim was smitten! He took the plunge in proposing to Annie on Christmas Eve. Both Jim and Annie were Denver Broncos fanatics and each had their own set of tickets. They often joked that the reason Jim married Annie was because of her Broncos tickets and the fact that he had his own dryer for laundry. It was a match made in heaven that lasted the last 39 years. For almost 40 years, Jim and Annie’s favorite pastimes were their dates to the local Broncos and CU Buffs football games as well as indulging their culture sides with season tickets to the Buell Theatre in Denver. Those who know them, fondly talk about the tangible love, respect and admiration they have for one another.

It was a couple years later that this dynamic duo expanded their family to four with additions of Maryanna and Melinda. Jim was an exceptionally loving, supportive and devoted father. He loved to tease his girls. Jim would often preface giving advice or a having a bright idea with a sparkle and wild look in his eyes, wide smile and the words “It’s come to me as a stroke of brilliance!” His heart-felt commitment was best observed in action through his self-less service in protecting and providing for his girls and sharing supportive wisdom and encouragement with them throughout their lives. Despite all the challenges and gray hairs earned from raising two teenage girls, he was honored to watch as Mary and Melinda became women he was proud of. He was ecstatic to marry them off and to embrace the joy of son-in-laws. His patient endurance and steadfast love for his girls led him to being promoted to “Boppa” with the addition of Jayden and Addison. His favorite expression of affection with his grandkids was through his famous whisker kisses to which they would giggle with glee.

Jim was diligent, honest, likeable, and a respected leader. He spent many years as an engineer for Coors Brewing Company. He expanded his educational achievements by attaining a Master’s Degree in Project Management from University of Phoenix. Later, he accepted a leadership position for Jefferson County School District’s Facilities Department. After retiring, he was honored to take on the role of serving Bear Valley Church in Facilities Maintenance. Everywhere Jim worked, he was purposeful to make an impact for Christ. People who knew and loved Jim would describe him as a jokester, someone who never met a stranger, cheerful, humble, man of integrity, someone who loved others and served without expecting in return, sincere, and conscientious.

Jim is reunited with his loving parents, James Sr. and Martha Willis and youngest brother Joseph Willis. Jim is survived by his adoring bride and football enthusiast, Annie Willis, his eldest daughter, Maryanna Wong, son-in- law Dennis Wong, youngest daughter Melinda Stinson and son-in-law Bryant Stinson. He regretfully leaves behind his pride and joys, his grandchildren, Jayden and Addison Wong. He is also survived by his brother, John Willis. Jim touched numerous lives throughout his lifetime and the list of additional family and friends is countless but not forgotten.

A memorial service celebrating the life of James R. Willis II will be held this summer of 2022 in Denver, Colorado. If interested in attending please contact the family. Announcements and details regarding the service will be shared on social media platforms.

In Jim’s memory, donations may be made to Bear Valley Church in Lakewood, Colorado where Jim passionately served for many years and would like to continue reaching others for Christ. If interested in donating, please contact the church at 303-985-4000 or go to their website at bvcchurch.org.