James “Jim” Harold Willis, 77, died Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at Baptist Memorial 

Hospital – North Mississippi in Oxford. The graveside service will be held Friday, July 12, 2019, at 1 p.m. in Corinth National Cemetery in Corinth, Miss. The visitation was held Thursday, July 11, 2019, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Waller Funeral Home in Oxford.

Born in Jersey City, N.J. to the late Harold and Mary Brennan Willis, Private Willis served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Earlier in life, Mr. Willis was a High Load Trucking Driver. Later, Jim participated in the Student Veteran’s Association at the University of Mississippi where he attended classes seeking to complete his Bachelor’s in Sociology. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joanne Faley.

Mr. Willis is survived by his wife, Florence Rutledge, of Oxford; sister, Mary Alice Navaro, and her children of North Carolina; nieces, Maryanne Amato and Heather Baez; and nephew, Richard Faley, all of Hackensack, N.J.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Willis’ memory may be made to Homes for Our Troops, www.hfotusa.org, 866-7-TROOPS. In honor of Mr. Willis’ service to our country the flag of the United States Navy will be flown at Waller Funeral Home.

For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please call 662.234.7971 or visit www.wallerfuneralhome.com.