James Harry Will

Jim was born to Harry Jacob Will and Virginia (Heinemann) Will in Detroit, Michigan. He is survived by his mother, age 102, currently living in Florida; his devoted wife, Jacqueline; his daughter Renee Will George, her husband Jeff, and their two daughters, Dylan and Stella; and his daughter Andrea Walsh, her husband Michael, and their four children, Connor, Carolyn, Lauren and Lindsey. Jim is also survived by his older sister Nancy Muzbeck Spence, younger sister Kathleen Haas and her husband Kurt, his younger brother Robert Will and five nieces and nephews and their families.

Jim met his wife Jackie while they attended Lutheran High West in Detroit. Last summer, they celebrated their 50th year of marriage with their daughters and their families in Alaska and were looking forward to toasting their upcoming 50th anniversary on July 26th.

Jim graduated from Michigan State University, class of 1969, and from Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science. Growing up above his father’s funeral home in Detroit, Jim followed the family business, devoting his career to the funeral services. He was a compassionate funeral director and business leader, growing the Harry J. Will Funeral Homes to multiple locations in the Detroit area. Jim was thrilled and honored his brother Bob chose to go into business with him. Jim was a leader nationally in the funeral service industry, serving as president of Order of the Golden Rule, a national funeral organization, and as a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Michigan Funeral Directors Association where he often lobbied the state legislature on behalf of family-owned funeral homes. He was also president of the Redford Rotary Club for several years, served as chairman of the congregation for Grace Lutheran Church, and served on the Board of Directors of his Florida condo association for 18 years.

After Jim and Bob sold the Harry J. Will Funeral Homes in 1999, Jim continued as a consultant to the business. Soon after retiring to Ponce Inlet, Florida with his wife Jackie, Jim found a new passion combining his love for college football, business and travel. As a volunteer for Florida Citrus Sports, Jim traveled the country each fall, visiting college football programs to promote Orlando’s tourism and college football bowl games. Jim loved sitting in the press box, standing on the sidelines of games, and meeting with college athletic directors, coaches, and fans. For at least fifty years, Jim rarely missed a home Michigan State football game, continuing to travel to Michigan throughout the year to enjoy MSU football and basketball with his brother, family, and friends.

Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife, family and friends, exploring new foods and cultures around the world. His favorite vacation was his annual trip with Jackie to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Jim was a devoted father and grandfather. He never hesitated to help his children move and settle into their new homes whether it was a new dorm room, apartment, or a move across the country or to Europe and back. He especially loved traveling to Texas to visit his grandchildren. He was so proud of each one of his grandchildren and truly loved cheering them on at their sports games, theater performances, and recitals.

Jim was a kind, compassionate, generous, and loving man. He had a huge heart and incredible devotion to Jackie and his family. Jim will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.