James Francis Willerford

Hemet lost one of its pillars on Monday, March 27, 2017. James Francis Willerford, was part owner/general manager of Jack Gosch Ford from 1971 to his retirement in 1994. He was a community leader and held the office of President to the Hemet Chamber of Commerce, The Kiwanis Club, and was a member of the Elks Club for over 60 years. Jim was also active in the Catholic Churches of Hemet. He was Parish Council President twice at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. During his years with the Knights of Columbus, he served as Grand Knight, and past Grand Knight for the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Council, past Chapter President of Riverside-San Bernardino Counties, Arrowhead Desert Valley chapter, and California State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus.

James and Irene moved to Hemet in 1968, along with their eight children (who ranged from the Hemet graduating class of 1970, to the class of 1982) his mother and his in-laws. He bought into the Dodge agency and James later became the sole owner naming it Willerford Dodge. In 1971, Jack Gosch came to him. Jim and Jack Gosch had known each other for about 20 years. Jack asked him to become his partner in the Ford Agency.

Jim was one of three children. Although he was raised like an only child by a single mother, Mary Ellen Willerford, because his brother, Cliff, and sister, Vivian, were teenagers when he was born. His Mother supported him by renting out rooms and getting the older vegetables from the local grocer to make soup. Jim showed drive and work ethic at an early age by selling newspapers for the Times starting at 4:45 am. Jim sold the papers at the transfer station to the yellow street car in the safe zone through the windows. He soon became supervisor to many kids selling papers. Jim learned early on the value of a penny and the strength of family and friends.

Jim decided on who he was going to marry in the fifth grade, when his wife-to-be (Irene Maloney) first arrived at school. He never changed his mind and they were married for 50 years.

Jim was fiercely loyal. He formed lifelong friendships from young childhood, grammar school, high school, Air Force, married, business, and community life.

Jim continued to live in the family home until 2012, when he moved to the Four Seasons with the Culton's to enjoy many social events in the retirement community.

From an early age to 88, Jim Willerford worked and supported his family, but also his church and community. He will be missed by all.

Our Father was blessed with eight children, a bountiful number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and many friends.

The family will be receiving guests on Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Miller-Jones Mortuary 1501 West Florida Avenue Hemet, CA 92543. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 am on Friday, April 28, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 26340 Soboba Street Hemet, CA 92544. Graveside Services will begin at 10:01 am on Monday, May 1, 2017 at Riverside National Cemtery 22495 Van Buren Boulevard Riverside, CA 92518.

Jim touched many lives and will be truly missed by all those who were honored to know him and who loved him.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to

Hemet Hospice (In Memory of James Willerford)

890 W. Stetson St suite A

Hemet,CA. 92543