Jim Wills Obituary

Dr. James W. "Jim" Wills, 71, of Jackson valiantly fought an 11-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away Monday, July 7, 2025, at his home.
Born April 1, 1954, in Cape Girardeau to Dr. Thomas David "T.D." and Pauline "Polly" Wells Wills, Jim was the youngest of three children.
He was a 1972 graduate of Jackson High School, where he excelled in the music program, becoming an accomplished drummer and vocalist. He earned an associate degree from Mineral Area College and his doctorate from Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis. Thereafter, he established Wills Chiropractic in Jackson, retiring in 2016.
Jim and Donna Williamson were married July 6, 1996, at the home of Tom Wills in Farmington.
As a member of the Jackson Explorer Post 211 in Jackson, Jim remained active and interested in scouting his entire life. He was a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scout Honor Camping Society, and a recipient of the Founder's Award. He designed and led the construction of a hiking trail at Camp Lewallen in Silva and participated in several trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. His wisdom and leadership will be sorely missed.
Music was the essence of Jim's soul. As a faithful member of Crossroads Fellowship Church in Jackson, he enthusiastically served on the praise team. He was an avid outdoorsman and previously raised and trained German shorthair pointers for quail hunting. His passions were hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, farming and traveling.
Jim loved his family with his whole heart. To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of 29 years, Donna Wills of Jackson; children, Alicia Riley (Steve Matthews) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jared Riley (Kristi Vanover) of Jackson; Calen (Abby) Wills of Pascagoula, Mississippi; and Cole Wills of Spokane, Washington; siblings, Cheryl Puhlman (Steve Hager) of Jackson and Tom (Marty) Wills of Farmington; grandchildren, Anderson Wills, Eliza Wills, Gabriel Wills, Hunter Vanover and Tayler Vanover; Donna's family, including her mother, Betty Williamson of Jackson; siblings, Sheree Williamson and James (Staci) Williamson of Jackson; nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Tom's wife, Kathy Wills; Cheryl's husband, Zale Puhlman; and Donna's father, Robert Williamson.
All arrangements are at Crossroads Fellowship Church in Jackson.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2025. At 7 p.m., there will be a break in the visitation for observation of a Broken Arrow ceremony by the Order of the Arrow. The ceremony typically lasts 15 minutes. Visitation will resume thereafter.
Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. to service time Tuesday, July 15. The Revs. Brian Anderson and Matthew Cromer will conduct the funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.
If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Crossroads Fellowship Church in Jackson.
Arrangements are by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Jim's obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.
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