Dr. James Whisner Willoughby II

He attended Liberty Public Schools then Pembroke Country Day School, where he graduated in 1970. Further education took him to Texas Christian University, the University of Missouri-Columbia, UMKC, then William Jewell College. His studies centered on plant morphology and biology.

He worked with his father, James W. Willoughby, MD at his company, Antigen Laboratories, Inc., a diagnostic lab for clinical immunology and allergy which also manufactured allergenic extracts for patient treatment. He served as Director of this country as well as in Europe, attending countless medical meetings, and lectures, including participation in Nation Institute of Health (NIH) events.

After accepting multiple invitations to speak at medical meetings, he decided that he needed to pursue a degree in clinical medicine and licensure as a physician, to support his work.

Ultimately, he received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the Kansas University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri. At the time of his father's death, Jim assumed responsibility for the medical practice in Liberty, where he continued for the remainder of his career.

Jim was a longtime member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, where he was a member of the Board of Directors, several terms as Treasurer, and as President of the organization. It was in this arena that he met mentors and developed deep friendships that greatly influenced his professional and personal life, eventually inspiring him to become a mentor to others as well.

It was one at of the medical meetings that he met a nurse, Betsy Black, who become his wife in 1986. He always told Betsy that "physician means teacher." Teaching patients became his goal for professional life.

Jim loved art and was very talented in drawing and painting, a hobby he intended to pursue more fully upon retirement in January 2024. He was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and the endless search for Indian artifacts. He was a member of the Missouri Archeology Society.

Hi,s mind was brilliant, and he had a photographic memory that was mind boggling.

Jim always delved deeply by educating himself on all of his interests and strived to share his knowledge with others. He spent innumerable hours reading, another passion.

Teaching the children of friends and family about outdoor life was of particular interest to him. He quietly reveled in the children's joy when they had a successful hunt.

He purchased his beloved farm in the 1980's. It was a place he could pursue and share these interests.

Jim's friends meant the world to him, and he spoke with them often.

He had a large furry family, and allergies aside, could be found nose to nose with them, loving them all.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Elizabeth "Betsy" Black Willoughby (Liberty), his siblings: Jane Lowrey, of Edmond, OK, Tom Willoughby (Lisa) of Liberty, and Ann Greene (Ted) of Kansas City, Missouri, as well as brothers in law Bill Black (Kim) of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and Rob Black (Sarah) of Glenaire, Pennsylvania. Jim is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their children.

He will be forever loved and missed by friends and families alike, all of whom he loved deeply.

Betsy can be reached at P.O. Box #79, Liberty, Missouri 64069.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 beginning at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 138 N Main Street, Liberty, MO, 64068, with a reception to follow. In honor of Jim, after the reception, the family will be having a beer at the farm from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, please wear comfortable clothes and if you would like to bring a chair.