James H. “Jim” Willis, 76, Ferdinand

James H. “Jim” Willis, 76, of Ferdinand, passed away after a short illness Sunday, July 9, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Ky.

James was born September 11, 1940, in North Hampton, Mass., to Warren Sr. and Phyllis (Stone) Willis. He married Faye Joanne Silberg on March 31, 1962, in Massachusetts.

James was a retired forester from DMI Furniture and Etienne’s Timber Harvest. He received the logger of the year in 1995. He enjoyed fishing and reading. He was a former Jaycee State Senator and vice-president. He was a former cub scout leader. James received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Faye Joanne Willis; two sons, Mike (Angie) Willis of Rossville and Mark Willis (fiance’ Carol) of Sturbridge, Mass.; one daughter, Mary Willis of Fort Wright, Ky.; two grandsons and four great-grandchildren; one brother, John (Nancy) Willis of Chelmsford, Mass.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Warren Willis Jr.

Celebration of life services will be held at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand Thursday, July 13, at 7 p.m. Disposition of cremains will be at a later date.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Food Bank, The Crisis Connection or a favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherfuneralhome.com.