James H. Willoughby, age 66, of 501 South 11th Street; Escanaba, died Friday evening at Marquette General Hospital.
Jim was born May 23rd, 1939 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Ernest and Marion (Fletcher) Willoughby, was raised in Flint, and was a graduate of the Flint Northern High School. He was employed all his working life for General Motors in Flint in the accounting department area, retiring at age 49. While in Flint he was an active member of the Charles A. Durand Masonic Lodge, F&AM.
After relocating to Escanaba, Michigan in 1999, Jim became an active member of the Escanaba Masonic Delta Lodge #195 F & AM where he held many stations within the Lodge. At the time of his passing, he held the station of Worshipful Master. In addition he was a member of Ahmed Shrine in Marquette, Delta Shrine Club, and he participated fully as a Scottish Rite Mason and York Mason.
Jim is also a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Escanaba.
In his leisure, he enjoyed carpentry work. Driving school bus in Flint and in Delta County and driving charter bus runs for private concerns were also pleasurable to him.
James H. Willoughby
Anonymous
I am sorry to hear about Jim. I was just made aware today (Jan. 6, 2006). I was Jim’s friend from Flint. Worked with him at MTA.
I have visited him about twice every summer and have come to love Escanaba. He and I have talked about his health many times, but last summer it seemed as he was getting much better.
My wife and I will miss visiting him and helping him with his computer problems.
Please contact me if there is anything I can do to help!
Ken Beals
Flint, MI
Jim was a friend. He was high Priest when I became a Royal Arch Mason. I also worked with him at GM. He will be missed by me and many others!
Bob Ricketts
Grand Blanc, MI
To the family and special for Liz:
My prayers and thoughtful cares are for you all. May the Lord keep you safely cupped in His Loving Hands as you make your way through this trying experience. Jim and I shared many Masonic moments together. He was missed by all of his Masonic friends when he moved out of the Flint area. His memory will live on as long as any of his Flint friends survive.
Don Rogers
Grand Blanc, MI
Liz,
Reading the obituaries last night I stumbled across your dad’s name. While I was shocked and saddened to see his name, it also brought back a lot of fond memories of our years in Job’s Daughters together. I was from Swartz Creek Bethel #31 and served as Honored Queen in 1987. I remember your dad being Associate Guardian of your bethel and always there for not only you, but for all the other gals. He was always there to drive from meeting to meeting, from dance to dance, etc. Oh, those were fun days weren’t they. I saw the Swift family a few weeks ago at a memorial for their grandma. And noticed in the paper last week that Noelle Tanner’s mom Onalee passed away. It is sad to see that us gals have reached a age our parents are starting to pass away. I haven’t been to anything for Job’s in over 15 years. Oh how time flies. I am married for 14 years and have a 10 year old son. Our life revolves around hockey right now with my son playing and my husband, Jim, coaching. I keep the score and try to keep the frig full and everyone’s laundry caught up–when not working full time that is.
I am sure your dad was a fun grandpa for all the grandkids. Are the 4 grandkids listed and one great grandchild your kids?
Did your dad ever remarry?
If your dad has been sick for awhile, I find peace knowing he is no longer suffering and is illness free up in heaven watching over his family.
May memories of fun times with your dad bring smiles to your days ahead, especially during this holiday season.
Love and Best Wishes!
Lisa Crankshaw-Carreras
PHQ, Bethel #31 Swartz Creek
Jim was a great Mason. He worked hard for the fraternity at all levels. He really enjoyed his work in the York Rite, and was a very valuable resource for us in the Upper Peninsula. He will be missed by all.
“We lock his memory in our breasts, and vow that it will there remain.”
Ron Blaisdell, PMIGM
Titusville, FL
On behalf of the York Rite Masons across the State, we extend our heartfelt sorrow on the loss of our dear Companion Jim. His ritual expertise and willingness to help whenever and wherever asked, will be missed.
Know our prayers are with you, the family. He was a Great Man and a Mason.
Bill LeVeque
Munising, MI