Willie Elbert Mims

A memorial service for Willie will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 11:00 AM at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. Following the memorial service will be a committal service at12:00 PM in Evergreen Washelli Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133.

Willie E. Mims

Willie E. “Jack” Mims, age 87, of Marysville, Washington, formally of Mountain Home, Idaho, departed this life unexpectedly while surrounded by family on July 7, 2023. Willie has completed his tasks on this earth.

Willie will be cremated after a private family viewing. Memorial services will take place on July 19, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Chapel in Seattle, WA, followed by an interment at 12 p.m. and Repast at Evergreen Washelli. Pastor Nik Baumgart, Lead Pastor, Grove Church – Marysville, will officiate.

Willie E. Mims was born to the late Willie Mims, Sr. and Hattie B. Mims, March 2, 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated from Charlotte Mitchell High School in 1954. He entered the United States Air Force on November 14, 1957. On February 1, 1964, he married Rutha Mims in Alexandria, LA, and they were married 59 years until his death. Two children resulted from this union, Dale and Judy. Willie was stationed at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho in 1968 where he raised his family. Willie and Rutha lived in Mountain Home until 2015 when they moved to Marysville, WA, to be closer to family. After settling in Marysville, these years were some of his most enjoyable. With his love of nature, Willie took pleasure in the spectacular view of the valley from his window and, with his characteristic sense of humor, often stated, “I don’t have to wake up and look in someone’s bedroom window.”

Willie had many careers over his life and was very proud of his accomplishments in the Air Force. While serving, Willie completed many college courses; and was stationed abroad to the Azores Islands, Portugal, Incirlik, Turkey, and Thailand. His assignments included work as an aircraft hydraulic specialist, medical supply technician; and he was the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Medical Supply for Mountain Home Air Force Base Hospital when he retired in 1979 at the rank of NCO Technical Sergeant. Not able to sit idle for any period of time, Willie began working for the State of Idaho Liquor Division in 1983 and soon was promoted to the Manager of the Mountain Home Liquor Dispensary No. 122, and served in that capacity for seventeen years until his retirement in August 2000. Being proud of his military service, Willie had a desire to support military families and did so as a member of The American Legion Posts 110 & 0178.

Willie was a very supportive, caring, proud son, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Willie always led with humor – telling Dad jokes even before they were known as Dad jokes. He was there ready to lend a helping hand to all. From day to day, Willie was a listening ear for many who shared their troubles, concerns and wishes. Being unassuming, he did not force opinions, but when asked, could share a wealth of valuable knowledge on a vast array of subjects. He possessed a thirst for knowledge; and was always ready to learn new things in technology, especially when introduced by his kids. Willie constantly read and stayed updated with the news.

Willie had many hobbies, but his love of both music and photography was lifelong. Willie expressed his passion for music by listening and playing as a self-taught drummer, saxophonist and keyboard player. In the 1960’s while still in the Air Force, he played drums and sang in a band that performed on tour along with various renowned bands. Later in the 70’s and 80’s, Willie worked as a radio broadcaster/disc jockey for the AM station KFLI in Mountain Home; and was known as “JM in the PM” playing anything from country western to Motown. He filled his house with music and took pleasure in finding and sharing music he discovered with family and friends. Over his lifetime, Willie took thousands of pictures of his adventures while overseas and at home, especially of the rural countryside in Idaho. Willie always had a camera in hand and documented the lives of all those around him using film and ultimately embracing digital photography.

Survivors include his wife, Rutha Mims; one daughter, Judy Lynn Mims (Mary) of Seattle, WA; one son, Avery Dale Mims (Carol); five grandchildren: Ashleigh, Cameron and Robert, all of Haymarket, VA; Mercy Mims-Daniel and Darnell Emil Daniel of Seattle, WA; two great-grandchildren: Carter and Maya Ruth, a multitude of embraced, extended grand, great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins; his mother and father preceded him in death.

To carry on with Willie’s legacy of helping others, the family suggests a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Mims family.