James "Jim" "Papa" Ernest Willis, 92 of Locust Grove, formerly of Jonesboro, passed away on September 22, 2026. He was born in Haines City, Florida on November 16, 1933 to the late Gordon Virgil and Beulah Ethridge Willis. Jim was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Audrey Faye Fyffe, daughter Lisa Michelle Bailey and brother Kenneth (Glenna) Willis.
He joined the US Navy and was aboard the USS Cavalier APA 37 and was especially proud of being on shore patrol and serving his country. He travelled to several places including California, Hawaii, Japan, Iwo Jima, Hong Kong, Inchon and Korea. Jim received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Willis was employed from 1961- 1990 with Delta Airlines as a jet mechanic.
He enjoyed wood working, hiking, diving, family, travelling, root beer, chocolate, Potters House, Christmas Hallmark movies, The Chosen and Jabbock. His favorite places were Rock Springs Church in Milner, Florida, waterfalls and Buckners. He volunteered for so many things, and he had a God given servants heart.
Mr. Willis is survived by his children, Glenn (Melissa) Willis and Danny (Mary Wannall) Willis, grandchildren, Hunter (Kayla Wells) Willis, Hannah Willis, Emily (Yovani) Xivir, Katie (Jelani Wootton) Still, Dalton and Shay Willis, Megan and Cain Beatty, Kaylin and Cameron Ledford, Niki Bailey, Brittany (Orlando Logans) Bailey and Jessica (Zack) Irvin, fourteen great grandchildren and one brother David Willis and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Rock Springs Church on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 1:00pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A burial ceremony with military honors will be held at Andersonville National Cemetery on October 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Please arrive at the cemetery one hour early.
