World War II veteran, devoted family man, and avid golfer James Kenneth Willey passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026 at the remarkable age of 100. Born on March 19, 1926, in Akron, Ohio to Harold and Charlotte Willey, Jim grew up during the Great Depression and at age 18 joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He carried the values of the Greatest Generation – loyalty, resilience, and a deep work ethic – throughout his entire life.

After his honorable discharge from the service, he went back to work at the B.F. Goodrich Tire Company in Akron, Ohio and built a successful life and career. After 43 total years with Goodrich, he retired at age 59 and moved to Florida. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Brandon, FL for over 40 years and was a proud Mason for over 77 years.

This past year was quite special for him. He celebrated his 100th birthday in March with not 1, but 2 parties, at the James A. Haley Community Living Center in Tampa and later at the Buckhorn Golf and Country Club in Brandon. Over 130 local and out of town/state guests came to celebrate this special man. Then in May, at game 7 of the 2026 NHL playoffs between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadians, he was recognized and honored on the ice during the National Anthem by players and fans for his service.

He was a founding member of the Brandon Pops, a band that played at local assisted living facilities and churches, bringing a message of salvation through music. He served as a deacon for his church for many years, a Candy Striper at Brandon Hospital, and volunteered at Diamond Hill Golf and Country Club where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf up to age 94.

Jim cherished his family and the adventures they shared. He loved planning and embarking on family boating vacations, exploring new places and creating lifelong memories with those he loved most. Even at 100 years old, he remained the steady anchor of the family. Most importantly, he was a loving father who spent time with his family and taught them to love the Lord.

Jim’s warm and positive disposition resulted in him gaining a large extended family wherever he went, including where he lived at the James A. Haley VA Community Living Center (CLC) for the past 3+ years. The love everyone had for him was evidenced by the fact that despite no formal announcement of his move to Hospice just one week ago, there were eight visitors at his bedside within the first hour after he was transferred from the hospital. The next day there were over 30 fellow veterans, doctors, nurses, and staff that came to visit him a final time before he passed. He remained sharp and joyful to the very end. We owe a great deal of gratitude to the staff at the CLC for their love and support of him for the last 3+ years.

While we are all greatly saddened he is gone, we are grateful for the joy he brought to family and so many friends during his 100 years. He never met a stranger, always had a smile on his face, was so content despite any challenges he might be facing, and brightened everyone's world. His infectious smile and witty sense of humor will echo in the minds of everyone he knew.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 74 years, Margaret. His memory will be kept alive by his children Carolyn Mack (Del) and Jill Miller (Dennis) and his many friends.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Brandon. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a light lunch at the church. There will be a burial with military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery later in the week. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Baptist Church of Brandon Foundation.