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James L. Willson

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[December 01, 2014]  Lincoln - James L. Willson, 77, of Lincoln formerly of Pana died Monday, November 24, 2014 in Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln.

Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with Elks Rites at 7 p.m.

Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at McCracken-Dean Funeral Home in Pana

Funeral home: McCracken-Dean Funeral Home, Pana IL

Obituary

James L. Willson, 77, of Lincoln formerly of Pana died Monday, November 24, 2014 in Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, IL.

He was born September 30, 1937 in Moweaqua, IL, the son of Wilbur C. and Grace I. (Fry) Willson. He was a graduate of Pana High School Class of 1956 and was a member of their only untied/undefeated football team in 1955. Jim served in the U. S. Army from January 1957 to 1960, spending 26 months in Japan.

He was the owner-manager of New Green Soil Service which he opened in the 1960’s. The business was sold in 1989. He went to Harbrand, Inc. in Clinton as a supervisor over several facilities, retiring in 2002. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #226, Pana; Elks Lodge #914 in Lincoln where he served on the Board of Directors; and served on the Board of Directors for Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Assoc., Inc. from 1983 – 1985. He was a former member of Pana Country Club where he also served on the Board of Directors. Jim enjoyed golf, fishing, going fishing in Canada, hunting especially rabbits, woodworking and loved his golden retrievers. He especially loved his family and grandchildren.

James L. Willson and Norita J. Dickey were united in marriage on June 10, 1962 in the First Methodist Church in Pana.

He is survived by his wife Norita J. Willson, Lincoln; sons: Michael G. Willson and wife Michele, Williamsville and Philip R. Willson and wife Beth, Mason City; four grandchildren: Emelee and Ryan, Logan and Brooke; sisters: Mary Vemmer and husband Leon, Decatur; Nell R. Castle and husband Herbert, Pana; and by his brother Roy “Ike” Willson and wife Margaret, Pana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother W. Arch Willson on December 27, 2009.

Memorials may be made to Pana Community Hospital Foundation or Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.
 

Funeral Director

Funeral Directors

Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with Elks Rites at 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 29, 2014 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Steven Palmer and Rev. Marge Overlot officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Pana with graveside military rites by Pana Veterans Honor Guard.

Light a virtual candle or send condolences to the family at www.mdfh.com

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