James “Jim” Williford Willis, 88, of Pace, Florida, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019. Born April 26, 1930 in Elba, Alabama, Jim was a native of Chumuckla, Florida. He was the last of nine children and was born to the late George Marvin and Tura Ellen Willis. Jim attended school in Chumuckla, Florida, and served in the US Air Force from 1948 – 1950. He was a semi-truck driver for 35 years and retired in 1985. After retirement he manufactured utility trailers and busied himself with various other ventures. Jim grew up a member of Wallace Baptist Church where his parents were founding members. After moving to Pace, he became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Preceded in death by seven of his siblings, Otis Willis, Hollis Willis, Cecil Willis, Corrie Lockett, Vertlene Bush, Vannie Pearl Dubourg and Vester Holley. Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Winnie “Faye” Willis, of Pace Florida; sister, Foie Cooke, of Milton, Florida; daughters, Shelia Willis Diamond (Mike Powell), of Florala, Alabama, and Debbie Willis Smith (William), of Pine Mountain, Georgia; grandchildren, Heather Diamond-Griffin (Stephen), of Tallahassee Florida, Jonathan “Blair” Diamond (Melissa), of Pace, Florida, Jamie Smith, of Atlanta, Georgia, and William “Will” Smith, Jr., of Atlanta, Georgia; four great-grandchildren Eva Diamond-Jones, Amelia Diamond, Anna Blair Diamond and Elaine Diamond-Griffin. Visitation for Jim Willis will be held 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Monday, February 18, 2019, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, Florida Chapel. Funeral Services will begin at 11:30 a.m., immediately following visitation, with long-time family friend Jearl Wyrosdick officiating. Burial will follow services in the Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery, with Lewis Funeral Home directing. Family and Friends are invited to celebrate and honor Jim’s life (after the burial services at Elizabeth Chapel) at the home of Blair and Melissa Diamond at 3478 Rolling Acres Road, Pace, Florida 32571. The family wishes to thank the staff of The Gardens at Calvary and Columbus Hospice for the love and care given to their husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather during his time of illness. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31909.