JAMES N. WILLIS III

1971 - 2019

WILLIS, James N. III Obituary - the hardest thing that a father and mother have to write. On January 23, 2019, James N. Willis lll, Jimmy or Jim to most, died in Lahey Hospital of heart failure. At his side were his parents, Barbara and Jim Willis. He lived in Framingham for the last 10 years but also claimed Marlborough, Acton, and Littleton, NH as home. He found and kept friends in every place he lived. He filled up a room with his quick wit, big laugh, and had an opinion on everything. He was adept with children, able to quickly relate to them. He identified with the powerless, collecting stray cats, dogs, birds, and even snakes that needed a home. Jim's life was a struggle and full of challenges. He suffered from ADD, bipolar disorder, and a propensity for self-medication. Reading was unbelievably hard and math was no better. But with understanding teachers from the Carroll School, he finished high school. Jimmy went on to work in jobs in which he was appreciated - at a molding factory, and at restaurants in Littleton, NH, and as the manager of a pizza restaurant in West Acton. Always, the mental disorders and self-medication cut short success. Psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, doctors and social workers all tried to help, and for them we are so appreciative. Jimmy had a volatile temper, but he was also caring and funny, prone to self-deprecating humor, that his family, friends, teachers, co-workers, and legions of health professionals put up with him. Life for Jimmy was hard, but he lived it fully and to his best ability. Finally his system that had rallied so many times in the past failed him. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Barbara of Acton, MA, his sister, Lauren Willis, her husband, Jonathan Weissglass, and nieces Mira and Danica of Berkeley, CA, his close friend Brian, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and by the many people he touched over his 47 years. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Service on Sunday, January 27 at South Acton Congregational Church, 35 School St., Acton, MA at 3 p.m. Additional parking behind the South Acton Fire Station. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to South Acton Congregational Church, 35 School St., Acton, MA 01720; to NAMI Mass, The Schraft Center, 529 Main St., Suite 1M17, Boston, MA 02129, or to a charity of your choice. For online guestbook please visit deefuneralhome.com Dee Funeral Home of Concord 978-369-2030 Caring for families since 1868