ISHPEMING, MI - James Lee Wills, age 64, of Ishpeming, entered eternal life on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Jim was born on October 9, 1961, to Evelyn (nee Kennedy) and Richard Wills and grew up in Negaunee, Michigan, graduating in 1981. After high school, he married Jacqueline Denofre and together they welcomed two daughters, Jamie and Jody during their 15-year marriage. Jim went on to welcome a third daughter, Shelby during his second marriage.

Jim was a tradesman who worked in construction and welding for most of his life, bringing him to Wisconsin and Lower Michigan. When Jim wasn’t working, you would find him enjoying time at the lake boating and fishing, riding backroads listening to music and enjoying life in the moment or gardening- something he took great pride in. One of his favorite past times was his fishing trips with his brothers, Ricky and Dave, and the memories they made together.

If you knew Jim, you know that his love for the Detroit Lions ran deep, but his love for those in his life ran deeper. The love he felt for his daughters was the most important thing to him and he made sure to always tell them that. Their bond was something that could never be broken.

Always willing to help a lending hand, he was the person that anyone could call for help and if he could, he would... He lived for chasing the open road, gathering together as family and in his younger years, water skiing in his jean shorts. In more recent years, Jim made the decision to move back to the Upper Peninsula and accomplished some personal goals for himself that he and his family were extremely proud of every day.

The sky shed tears when Jim was taken from us far too soon, but we know that he was welcomed into the arms of his mother, Evelyn; who was his best friend in this world, and that brings us peace.

He is survived by his daughters, Jamie (Donald) Armatti of Gwinn, Jody (Andy) Grundstrom of De Pere, Wisconsin, and Shelby (Joey) O’Dovero of Negaunee; his brothers, Ricky (Andrea) Wills of Negaunee, Dave (Debbie) Wills of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Evan and Neil Armatti, Kennedy and Saylor Grundstrom, Rickey Ann O’Dovero; nieces, Amanda, Amber, Casie; nephew, Andy; his great nieces and nephews and many other family members. He is also survived by his special friend, Melanie Jarvi, and their two dogs- Breezy and Nevaeh, whom he loved very much.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Stanaway and Richard Wills. He was also preceded in death by his close uncle Bill.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, no service will be held. If you are interested in honoring Jim’s life- his family asks that you take a day to spend time with the ones you love and remember how beautiful life truly is.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.