James R. Wills of Ocean Shores, Washington, passed away on Dec. 6. 2019, at age 81. He was a retired U.S. Navy veteran, retiring rank of Master Chief Master at Arms. He was born on Aug. 10, 1938, in Arlington, Texas, to Alva Ross Wills and Juanita Wills. He was proceeded in death by them and two sisters, Leah and Beryl Ann. He is survived by Jeanette Wills of Ocean Shores, business partner, wife and companion of over 38 years; three daughters of a former marriage, Ina Wills and Nita Wills of Washington and Lydia Wills of Ketchum, Idaho. Also, stepdaughter, Kathy Foshay and husband, Dave, of Port Orchard, Washington, and their three children, Danny, Donovan and Debra and their seven grandchildren; stepson, Russell Linderman and wife Connie of Charleston, South Carolina, and their children, Garrett and Brenna. He is also survived by two nephews, Jamie Ainsworth and Jack Ross Price of Texas and niece Pattie Greenwood of Texas.
He served for 23 years in the U.S. Navy and among his duties was as a weapons instructor. He was assigned and served on several aircraft carriers; his last was USS Midway, now a museum in San Diego, California. While serving on the USS Midway (CV 41) he received a Navy Commendation Medal “For Meritorious service as Chief Master at Arms during the evacuation of South Vietnam, 29 & 30 April 1975. Master Chief Petty Officer was instrumental in the detailed planning, coordination and execution of a comprehensive Evacuee Control Plan which facilitated orderly processing of over 3,000 refugees aboard MIDWAY a temporary haven. Master Chief Petty Officer Wills’ professionalism and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service” signed, Dec. 12, 1975, by the Secretary of the Navy.
Upon his Navy retirement he moved on to management positions in real estate, mortgage lending and hotel and condominiums, retiring in 2003 from “6001 Condominiums” in Bellevue, Washington. His hobbies included golfing, boating, lake fishing and river salmon fishing and catching his “biggest fish,” a marlin, while in Kauai. He enjoyed cooking, especially for family gatherings. He also designed and built “Tall Sailing Ships” models, which he shared with family and friends and occasionally sold. He was a life member of the VFW of Ocean Shores, Washington.
Burial will be at sea with services conducted by the U.S. Navy.
Condolences may be sent to fernhillfuneral.com
