Mr. James Wendell Willis was born December 27, 1951 in St. Louis, MO to the union of Mary M. Moss and Harvey Willis. He was a lifetime resident of the Venice/Madison area, receiving his education from Venice High School.

Mr. James Wendell Willis was married to Erma J. Dixon, and from this union two children was born, Valeria and Wendy. Later Wendell married Linda Whitner, from this union there were three children, Trevor, Amanda and James. He was preceded in death by his daughter Amanda, and parents; brothers Harvey, Algie, Terry, Laron, and sister Sheila.

Mr. James Wendell Willis attended St. John Missionary Baptist Church for years. He served as head Usher, and was faithful until death. James worked at Lefton Steel in East St. Louis and various other jobs until his health failed him. To His family and friends, he was known as "Wendell."

Wendell answered the call of his Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 23, 2021. He leaves to cherish ten children, six daughters, and four sons, Valeria M. Willis of Madison, IL, Wendy R. Willis-Goff (Lamont) of Alton, IL, Nicholee Blockton (William) of Glen Carbon, IL, Sarah Willis-McKinney of Madison, IL, Anthony King of Madison, IL Trevor Whitiner of Tulsa, OK, James Willis Jr. of Tulsa, OK, Hilary Willis of Boston, MA, Jermey Hendricks of Alton, IL; sisters and brothers Valeria Fuller of Wentzville, MO, Todd Willis (Valerie) of Shiloh, IL, Florence Williams of Madison, IL, Kevin Carter of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren and great grandchildren; friends Larry Smith, Patrick Winston, Marvin "Honey" Bradley and special friends Sue Baker, Laura Simmons, Gregg Baker, Mary Henderson and Kathy Hall, all of St. Louis, MO, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.