James Willson

James D. Willson, 61, of Central Lake, died unexpectedly Mon. Jan. 10, 2011 at home. He was born September 4, 1949, in El Paso, Texas, the son of Kenneth and Elma Rita (O'Donnell) Willson. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 19 years including two tours during the Vietnam War, on the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Intrepid. He enjoyed camping, outdoors, writing and reading. Jim also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. In his own words, "I like: campfire coffee in a tin mug, old wood, proven/functional things, old dogs, leaf mold, raw dirt, and wood smoke, coffee sunrises and beer sunsets, beater vehicles-still trustworthy." He is survived by his children Cliff (Heather) Willson of Central Lake, Heather (Scott) Mills of Cheboygan, John Paul Willson of Central Lake, Travis (Cathy) Willson of Kalkaska, Shanell (Brandon) Bennett of Mt. Morris, his wife LeslieJo Willson, brother Tim (Anita) Willson of Middleville, sisters Denise Jelinek of Cottonwood, AZ, Debbie Fischer of Bellaire, Mary (Bill Foley) Willson of Bellaire, Kathy (John) Maloney of Simpsonville, SC, grandchildren Morgan & Logan Mills, Charlotte & Wyatt Willson, Zoie & Cali Willson, Elliott, Isaac, & Liam Willson, and Dominik & Shandon Bennett. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Ada Willson, brother Kenneth Willson, sister and brother-in-law Bonnie and Clyde Lucas and brother-in-law Keith Jelinek. A memorial service will be held Fri. Jan. 14, at 10 a.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Pastor Mark Manzer will officiate. Memorial donations may be directed to the family. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com