James "Jim" Curtis Willis
James Curtis Willis of Silsbee passed away on May 11, 2020, at the age of 60, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital after surgical complications. Jim was born in Kountze on December 2, 1959, to Rev. Charles “Chuck” Willis and Coleta Willis.
Jim was a leader, a hard worker, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He spent countless hours pushing himself to the limit to make a better life for his family and to build up his community.
He owned a Hallmark store in Pine Plaza for numerous years until he became assistant administrator of Silsbee Doctors Hospital. He left Silsbee Doctors in 1995 and went to the corporate offices in Colorado. When returning from Colorado he worked to open rural health clinics around the Southeast Texas area. He then became the administrator of Mid-Jefferson Hospital, where he stayed until 2001. He served for twelve years on the city council. He became interim mayor of Silsbee after Mr. Muckleroy retired. Jim always worked hard for what was best for Silsbee and the community. When Charline Dauphin passed away he was appointed the administrator of the Dauphin Foundation. Jim was always the life of the party. No one who worked with him can hear Garth Brooks without thinking about him dancing and singing at the hospital Christmas parties.
Jim had been battling Multiple Sclerosis since 2011, but he never let it slow him down. He traveled with his family and friends, spent time with his grandchildren, and worked to try to bring Silsbee to its full potential. Jim also loved spending time at Crystal Beach. In recent years, you could find him riding along the sand in his golf cart, or with his feet propped up taking in his “Vitamin Sea”.
Jim and his wife, Pam meet at church when they were 16. They were married for almost forty-one years. They made sure that they raised their three children in God’s house. Jim is survived by his wife, Pam; daughter, Amber of New York City; son, Charles and his wife, Tina, of Buna; and son, Chris and his wife, Dollie, of Silsbee; and five grandchildren, Kyler, Carter, Lilly, Lucy, and Blake. He also leaves behind his mother, Coleta Willis of Silsbee; brother, Charles “Chip” Willis and his wife, Mel, of Clermont, Florida; brother, David Willis and sister, Rita Garcia and her husband, Shawn, all of Silsbee; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Rev. Charles “Chuck” Willis.
A gathering of Jim’s family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 14, 2020, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Knupple Cemetery, Silsbee. Please observe social distancing guidelines.
Knupple Cemetery
Knupple Cemetery
- cemetery rd. silsbee tx 77656
- 490 cemetery road silsbee tx 77656
- 05/14/2020
- 10:00 am
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 490 cemetery road silsbee tx 77656
- 05/13/2020
- 10:21 pm
Broussard's Mortuary - Silsbee, TX
Broussard's Mortuary - Silsbee, TX
- 490 cemetery road silsbee tx 77656
Comments
Janet Jacobson Davis
The years Bro Chuck and family were at Graburg we’re special to me. We loved the whole family. But Jimmy stood out. He was funny, and hung out at our house with my brothers. But I considered him a special friend. I’m sorry for your loss
Sylvia Ayres
So sorry to hear about Jimmy I remember him from Good Shepard He was a sweet funny man. He will be greatly missed. Praying for his mama and his family.
Sammie Jones
I met Jim thru Charline the was a very sweet, funny man! He was also very kind hearted, one Christmas I was helping my little niece sell possitesa's for her dance school which was putting on the Nut Cracker n he generously bought them! He will be missed by the whole community of Silsber!
Polly Clark
Pam, I am so sorry for your sudden loss. My prayers are with you and the family. God's peace be with you all.
Pam Wilson
Jimmy you will be missed. Prayers of comfort and peace for Pam and family
Denise Molinaro
You will be surely missed. I know you will be waiting for us I heaven with that wonderful smile!
Jana Butler Griffin
I always remember Jimmy as we grew up in church together. Our family's were close. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carolyn C Thibodeau
Pam, Amber, Charlie, Christopher, Coleta,, David, Rita, Chip and all the rest of the family, I am so sorry for your loss. My fondest memories go way back to the beginnings of our new Genesis Baptist Church building. Lots of wonderful memories from 25 years ago. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.
Jerry Don and Pat (Edens) Dorman
Dear Willis Family, We are so sorry to hear about Jim's death. We have so many sweet memories of the WILLIS FAMILY when you were all in Carthage, Texas. Please know we will have you in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come. You still HOLD a special place in our hearts. With much love, Jerry Don and Pat (Edens) Dorman and family .......ISAIAH 40:31
Judi Oliver
My condolences to Jimmys family. So wonderful to get to see him this past year at our class reunion. He will be missed.
Charlotte Stephens
Coleta and family, I was thinking back when I first met Jim. It was in the early 80's. We had just settled in Silsbee and Jim owned the Hallmark shop. Over the last two years Helen McCurley along with Jim's help started the Senior line dance classes. We called him our sponsor and he'd tell us to smile bigger. You couldn't be around Jim without smiling. He had that effect on people. We pray that the Lord will comfort you all during this difficult time.
Charlotte Hoover
I'm so sorry for you loss and My thoughts and prayers to you and your family....
Donna Van Pelt
Jim will always have a special place in my heart. We worked together for the betterment of the Silsbee Little Theater. I will miss you my friend.
Cheryl Calhoun
Jimmy was my classmate and friend. We will miss him. Prayers and comfort for his family.
David Biddle
Pam So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
MICHAEL ANDRUS
Jim is a one of a kind man and will be missed , sending prayers to the family. Love you Jim until we meet again.
Nan Gore
Sending my sincere condolences to the whole family. Praying for peace and comfort during this time.
Bobbye and Dudley Barron
Coleta, Pam , and all the family I cannot covey the sadness I feel for all of you as you say your final farewell to Jimmy today. He was a special person with a smile no one will ever forget. My heart is aching for all of you thinking of how severely you will miss him . I pray the lord will help you as you grieve in the days ahead. We love you all.
John Nava MD
Jim, so sorry to hear if your passing. I remember the good times we had when I moved to Silsbee, you were always a friendly face and a good support to the medical community in Silsbee. I offer my condolences to your family, and hope their memories of you will help them as they grieve. Until we meet again.
Cheryl Wisenbaker
Rest In Peace, Jim. In my limited time with Jim amongst friends, he was a joyous light. Rich in love, cheer and humor. The world will miss him. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Jim’s family and friends. Find comfort that he’s in the arms of God, and spreading light, love and joy in heaven. God bless, Cheryl & Tony Wisenbaker Beaumont, Texas
Janet Hobbs Wigington
Sending my condolences and prayers with love from Newnan, GA to the Willis family. Jim was such a fun, delightful, spirited man that lived his life for a purpose. Jim helped the town of Silsbee and did so much for so many people and organizations. He will be missed. Heaven truly gained an angel.
CYNTHIA TANNER
My heart breaks for Jim's family. So many friends and loved ones, Jim was always there when I needed him during our working together at Silsbee Hospital, and Christus when we were getting those Rural Clinic up and running. He was always ready to help and always always an encourage to many. Not good bye but see you again.