Willett, James 'Jim' Paul

James “Jim” Paul Willett, 68, of Marion, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at his home. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 15, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, by Chaplain Jeremy Hudson. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Jim was born July 28, 1944, in Greeneville, Tenn., to James and Helen (Fortner) Willett. He married the love of his life, Janet Caldemeyer, on Nov. 8, 1963, and they shared 49 wonderful years together.

He worked for Champion Service Station, Pella Construction, FMC-Link Belt, Bruce McGrath, and co-owned Bob Zimmerman Econo Cars for 19 years. He retired in 2006.

Those left to honor his memory are his loving wife, Janet; one son, Jim (Cindy) Willett II; three daughters, Renée (Duane) Fenchel, Kathy Willett (Tom Moore) and Lindsay Willett (Mike Todd); 10 grandchildren, Kristin, Lauren, Desirée, Dalton, Britney, Brooklyn, Kelsey, Courtney, Corbin and Addysen; two great-grandchildren, Mya and Ava; four sisters, Joyce (Darrell) Jellison, Caroline Starr, Sherry (Doug) Shepard and Linda (Doug) Berry; and one brother, Jack (Linda) Willett. Also surviving is Jim's special, longtime friend, Cecil Powell, who stayed at his side through his illness.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jared Lee Willett; his father, James Alfred Willett; his mother, Helen Phelps; and his brother-in-law and best friend, Sam Caldemeyer.

Jim enjoyed fishing, John Deere tractors, racing cars, and showing his muscle cars at car shows. His greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren. Jim held a special place in everyone's heart that had the opportunity to meet him. His humor, infectious smile, and laughter will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial fund has been established.

Please sign the online guest book for Jim at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published April 12, 2013 in The Gazette