Sept. 15, 1932-April 14, 2015

 

Willard Clinton James, 82, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 2015, at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital, in Dowagiac.

He was born September 15, 1932, in Vandalia, to Kermit and Margaret Ann James. Willard was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ash, father, Kermit James, his former wife, Phillis Dungey of Cassopolis and his second wife Imajean Wilson of Paw Paw.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Wilhelmina Cross of South Bend (Atlanta, GA); Joan Pompey of Cassopolis, Shirley Lee of Cassopoli and brother Dennis Ash of Dowagiac.

He loved participating in many outdoors activities including playing and coaching baseball, watching basketball and golf. He frequently went fishing, loved driving semi-trucks, and going to church. He faithfully took care of his lawn and his churches lawn, which was evident by the meticulous attention to every detail. Willard volunteered into the United States Army and served during the Korean War. Willard will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by three sisters, Joyce Henry, Charlene Lee, and Betty Ash all of Cassopolis and one brother, Larry (Cathy) Ash of Plainwell; three children, Dennis Fouché of Dowagiac; Thomas Fouché of Oxford, Ohio and Deborah Fouché, of Cassopolis; six grandchildren, Janet Fenner, Amana High, Jason Fouché, Dennis Lawson, Ashley (Dale) Pompey, Brandon Williams; two great-grandchildren, Sophia Pompey and Deon Lawson, and host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will hold a remembrance service Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Christ Temple Church, on 305 N. 2nd St., Cassopolis, MI at 1 p.m. with dinner following in the church dining hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Temple Church. Arrangements by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Share a memory or sign the guest book at www.adamspawpaw.com.