Loving husband of 69 years to the late Kathleen Mavourneen (nee Godfrey) until her passing on 12 March 2019. James passed away peacefully of natural causes in his sleep in Toronto, ON on 19 October 2025, in his 97th year. Devoted father and excellent provider of four to: Gayle Kennedy, Janet, the late James Jr. "River", and Major Paul “Willie” Willis. A wonderful and doting grandfather of five to: Shannon Kennedy-Barbati (Lui), Steven Kennedy (Penny), Landon Willis, Michael Willis (Michelle) and Kathleen “Katie” Willis. A super great-grandfather of five to: Grace Barbati (Shannon/Lui), Madison (Steven/Penny), Stryder and Mila-Rae (Katie Willis), and Sullivan (Michael/Michelle). James was born to Harry and Helen (nee Roome) Willis, in Toronto, ON, on 6 November 1928. He was predeceased by his parents, late wife and eldest son, as well as two siblings, Donald Willis (Anne), and Carole Willis (Warren). He will be missed by his surviving in-laws, Harold and Lynn Godfrey and Warren Shaw, and literally a mass of nieces and nephews and their children.

James was a master of many trades and held many occupations, including roads and property assessment in New Brunswick and Etobicoke, a bricklayer and home builder in northern Ontario, a lumber camp worker, a Refrigerator Operator Class B, manager of numerous arenas and swimming pools in Toronto, and a long time Plant Manager at Crowle Fittings Ltd in Malton, ON. James was a lacrosse, baseball and hockey coach in Toronto and Malton ON, and was heavily involved with the Royal York Royals and Markham Waxers Junior A hockey teams in the 1970s and 80s.

A solid and successful team leader with an unparalleled knowledge of the mechanics of hockey, James could rightly take enormous pride in having mentored literally hundreds of athletes in the development of sports skills, and for instilling in many young people the attributes of teamwork, perseverance and myriad other qualities key to a successful transition to adulthood.

Family and friends may pay their respects to the family at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre (375 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto ON, East Gate entrance). Family will welcome guests in a Visitation Room on 8 November 2025 from 12 to 1 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life in the Chapel at 1 PM (same building). Interment will follow. Winter attire is suggested, if attending the interment. After the interment, a reception with food and drink will follow back at the Funeral Centre from 3 to 5 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice in James’ name would be appreciated.