James Franklin Willey Sr.

James “Jim” Franklin Willey, Sr. passed away peacefully at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio on Saturday, November 16, 2024. He was born on July 1, 1947 in Hinton, West Virginia to Doulgas and Margaret (Lowe) Willey. Jim graduated from Hinton High School, Class of 1965. Shortly after graduation, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Deanna Charlene Meadows, on July 30, 1965 in Narrows, Virginia. He retired from the CSX Brotherhood Railway, Carman division, after 28 ½ years of service.

Jim was an active member of the Athens Missionary Baptist Church in Walbridge and loved his church family. He enjoyed reading and studying his Bible and telling people about the Lord. He was also a member of the Ottawa County Conversation League in Martin, Ohio. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and was always ready for a game of Uno.

Jim was preceded in death by his two sons, Charles Edward and James Franklin Jr.; parents, Doulgas and Margaret (Lowe) Willey; brother, Douglas Eugene Willey Jr.; and sister, Genevive (Moore) Lucas.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 59 years, Deanna; daughter, Lori Renee Trombly; three grandchildren who were the apple of his eye, Daniel James Trombly, Laci Nicole Trombly and Joel Edwards; and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Willey, who was like a daughter to him. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Jim will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in the Robert Shank Sr. Chapel at Sunrise Life Celebrations, 701 Main Street, Walbridge, Ohio from 3-7 p.m. Funeral services will begin on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Athens Missionary Baptist Church, 101 Breckman Street, Walbridge, Ohio with Pastor David McGregor officiating. Interment will follow at the Lake Township Cemetery, Millbury, Ohio. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.sunriselifecelebrations.com.