James Willingham

James Earl Willingham, 92 years old passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at his home in Granbury, Texas. James was born November 18, 1933, in Gladewater, Texas to Issac Willingham Jr. and Beulah Douglas Turner. 

 James was raised in Oak Cliff where he attended W.H. Adamson High School. Following graduation in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in southern Germany as a member of the Military Police Company “D”508th. Upon release from the Army, he joined the Army Reserves and at a later time the Marine Corps Reserves where he retired as a Sergent Major with twenty-four and a half years of military service. During his service he had one Nato Exercise. He joined Wausau Insurance Company where he worked as a Claims Adjuster for 36 years.

James met Helen, his wife to be, on a blind date in October,1959, and they were married in September,1960 and were married for 65 years. They raised one son, Scott. Following retirement they moved to Granbury. Tx where they enjoyed living in their lakeside home, and later in Pecan Plantation. James enjoyed spending time with family and was fond of his cousins who he would meet with once a month for lunch followed by playing dominoes. He also enjoyed playing poker, he was part of the same poker group for 20 years. James and Helen enjoyed traveling to visit Helen’s family in Scotland. Other travel was to Mexico, Southern Germany, England, and many trips in the USA. James was a hard worker and took good care of his family.

He is survived by his wife, son, and one niece Sharyn Sparks Fullington/Bill, and his Scottish sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ann and George and their family.

His sister, Cathryn Willingham Sparks preceded him in death.

During his long illness, James received excellent care from the employees of Interim Health Care Home Care Hospice. Virginia, RN, Mitzi, Katie, and Kristen, RN.

Per James’ request there will be no funeral or service.