James "Jim" E. Willey

James Edwin “Jim” Willey, 55, of Appleton, passed away Sunday, March 20th peacefully at home. He was born February 16, 1961 in Jefferson, IA son of Dick and Vera Willey. He was raised in Jamaica, IA and graduated from YJB High School in 1979. Jim went on to enlist in the Air Force on February 22, 1980; serving his country until December 31, 1991. He was stationed throughout the world beginning in Omaha, then time in Berlin during the occupation and moving on to Lackland Air Force base as a TI. Working as an Air Force Recruiter in Waterloo, IA , he met his brown-eyed girl, Carol Fagerlind. They were married on September 8, 1990 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. After honorably leavin g the Air Force, he went on to work for Bertch Cabinets and then Home Depot. Jim's career lead him and his family to Waukesha, WI. In 2002, Jim briefly “retired” to spend more time with his family and coach his son's football team. After deciding retirement wasn't for him, Jim started his own remodeling company, Mosquito Creek. In 2004, Appleton became their home and community. Jim worked tirelessly as a business owner, obtaining his “Certified Remodeler” among many other accords. In Jim's spare time, he loved rebuilding cars, playing guitar, riding his hog and spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by, his wife Carol Willey, daughter Ali (Luke Vandenberg) Fagerlind, son Cory Willey, son Alex Willey, daughter Alysse (Dustin Benecke) Willey, daughter Addie Willey; brothers Larry Willey of Waukee, IA and Norman (Gladys) Willey of Yale, IA. Preceded in death by his parents Dick Willey and Vera Willey; step-father Raymond Cabelka; and sister-in-law Elaine Willey.

Funeral Service for Jim will be on Friday March 25, 2016 at 11 am at Wichmann-Fargo Tri-County Chapel, 1592 S. Oneida St., Menasha. Visitation will be on Thursday March 24, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM and Friday March 25, 2016 from 10 AM until time of Service.

In remembrance of Jim, memorials to Pros Vs. GI Joes or Fox Valley Veterans Council are appreciated.