James Allen “Jim” Willard, 74, of Soddy-Daisy passed away on July 23 at his residence.
Mr. Willard was a native of New York who lived in Massena, N.Y., for many years. He moved to Soddy-Daisy 18 years ago.
He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was an electrician for General Motors for more than 31 years, and he was active in and the treasurer for the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 942 in Soddy-Daisy.
He volunteered for several years with the Soddy-Daisy Food Bank. He loved camping, spending many summers in Massena, and enjoyed going on a nice walk.
Mr. Willard was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Willard; mother and stepfather, Clara and Bernard Baxter; and brother, Byron Willard.
Mr. Willard’s survivors are his wife, Shirley Willard; daughter, Shauna Willard (Jose Martinez); son, Chad Willard (Monique Chatland); step-children, Kris Graves and Sara Graves; grandchildren, Joseph Cash Pino, Rowan Pino, Easton Willard and Paisley Chatland; brothers, Robert and Fred; sister, Betty; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
A funeral Mass for Mr. Willard was celebrated on July 28 at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy, with Monsignor Al Humbrecht serving as the celebrant. Donations in Mr. Willard’s memory can be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 942 Foundation, www.vva942.com or the Soddy-Daisy Food Bank, www.soddydaisyfoodbank.org.