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’s survivors include:
1 Son- John (Wendy) Willoughby of Texarkana, Texas
1 Daughter- Elizabeth “Liz” Willoughby of Rochester Hills, Michigan
4 Grandchildren- Kayleigh Willoughby, Kimber Willoughby, Cassy Langeworthy, and Andrew Willoughby
1 great-grandchild.
He also leaves to survive a nephew, Ernest F. Willoughby of Lower Michigan, and an “adoptive family member”, Connie (Cliff) Webster, of Swartz Creek, Michigan.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ernest D. Willoughby
Jim Willoughby’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 14th, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Masonic and Eastern Star Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home. Episcopal services celebrating Jim’s life will subsequently follow the Masonic Rites. Luncheon will be held at the Escanaba Masonic Lodge.
The family respectfully requests memorials in his behalf be directed to Shriners’ Childrens Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Homes.
