James E. Willis, 45, of Defiance, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2019 peacefully  in the loving care of CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center.

Born on May 29, 1974, he was the fourth of five children born to Billy and Carolyn (McCarthy) Willis, of Defiance.

James was a 1992 graduate of Defiance High School where he was active in soccer, tennis, and swimming. He was a long-time employee of Manufactured Housing Enterprise in Edgerton, where he took great pride in his work. James loved both his home family and his work family, and had an abundance of close friendships. He took great joy in the outdoors. He golfed, fished, hunted, played frisbee golf, and really looked forward to mushroom hunting season.

James is survived by his father, Billy Willis of Defiance, two sisters, Ruth Oelke and Rita (Charley) Bowling, all of Defiance,  two brothers, John Willis of Defiance, and Kirk Willis of Coeburn, Virginia, and four nephews, Clayton, Colton, Carter, and Kyzer Bowling, all of Defiance. He was preceded in death by mother, Carolyn Willis, one brother, David, and his grandparents. Visitation will be held from 2-6 pm on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, July 15, 2019 at Schaffer Funeral Home, with Deacon Mark Homier officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.