James Arthur Willis

James Arthur Willis, was the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Eddie and Ella Willis, in Edwards, Mississippi. He confessed to Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Cherry Grove M.B. Church, Edwards Mississippi. He would later receive the Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist sacraments to become a member of the Catholic Church, joining Christ the King Parish in Jackson, MS.

James and Antoinette Sanchez-Willis were married for 39 years. They remained committed partners in Christ and the parents of a blended family of 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where he served faithfully for over 31 years. He served as a lector, reading God’s Holy Word every Sunday.

He was a graduate of Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi.  He continued his education at Tougaloo College, in Jackson, and graduated with a degree in Chemistry. James had a lifelong passion for learning, which led him to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Health in 2022 from the University of New Mexico.

James spent over fifty years working in Information Technology and Research, beginning as a computer programmer in the early 1970’s at the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning. He held senior management positions in technology and research with Trustmark and Deposit Guaranty Banks in Jackson, Mississippi; the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the Public Service Company of New Mexico, also in Albuquerque. He served as Program Manager of Philips Laboratories at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque for over two decades where he remained until his retirement. His love of technology led him to serve as a consultant with the Mississippi State Board of Health and several Native American Housing Agencies.

After retirement, James worked with the University of New Mexico Office of Community Health and Infectious Disease Program as a Research Analyst, a position he held until his passing. He never stopped following his passion.

Left to cherish his memories are: His beloved wife, Antoinette, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Children: Anthony Willis (Sarah), Michael Willis (Heather), Las Vegas, NV; Dr. Jason Willis (Olga), Houston, Texas; Maria Willis and Faye Magsby (Rashad), both of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Judye Conner, Las Vegas, NV (Mother of Anthony and Michael Willis).

Grandchildren: Brittany Stuckey (Mark), Anthony Willis Jr, Ashley Willis; Mikey Willis, Mason Willis; all of Las Vegas, NV; Ethan and Evan Willis, Houston, Texas; Janessah Cobley and Jordan Willis, Albuquerque, NM; Jordi Magsby, Malachi Willis-Barr, Rashad Magsby Jr and Grace Magsby, Albuquerque, NM

Great-grandchildren: Braylon Johnson and Mackson Stuckey, Las Vegas, NV;

Mother-in-law: Rachel Medina; Albuquerque, NM, One Aunt, Penny Shugars of Los Angeles, California;

Cousins: Goldia Revies (William) of Jackson, Ms; Life-long friends: George and Faye Jones of Jackson, MS, Richard and Peggy Weeda of Albuquerque, New Mexico and a host of relatives and friends.

A Funeral Vigil will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, on Friday, November 4^th, 2022, at 6:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, November 5^th, 2022, at 10:00 AM.

Daniels Family Funeral Services

3113 Carlisle Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87110

505-884-1188