James William Wills

James William "Bill" Wills age 82 of Paola passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, June 10th. Known as Bill, or affectionately as Billy by his sister, he was born Dec. 1, 1928 in Labette County, Kansas to Oscar and Lulu Yates Wills. The family made their home near Cherryvale, Kansas. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1947. Shortly after graduation, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His specialty was electronic devices. He started as a Seaman in Olathe and retired as a Lt. Commander on March 31, 1974. His 26 years of military duty took him to Brunswick, GA, Maine, Glenco, IL, Annapolis, MD, and Sicily, Italy. He spoke fondly of the three years spent in Sicily. He served on the U.S.S .New Jersey and the U.S.S. Hornet, he was part of the retrieval of the Apollo 11 and 12 space capsules. He was united in marriage to Virginia June Rupp on March 16, 1951 in Kansas City, MO. They lived on various bases during his military career. She passed away on Oct. 31, 1973. As a child he was baptized in the First Baptist Church. His memberships included the church, the American Legion Miami Post No. 156 of Paola and he was also a Mason. Bill had limited eyesight for a number of years, but was known for telling stories and describing in detail his life history. He knew highways traveled, how to reach destinations and restaurants and points of interest visited. His listeners always felt they were on the journey with him and knew where he was going. He is remembered as saying "been there, done that." He had memorized the local Price Chopper grocery store and could find items without assistance. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife; sister, Doris Wills and a brother, Jack Wills. Surviving are his sister, Isabel Riley of the home; nephews, H. Wayne Riley of Topeka, John Riley of West Des Moines, IA, Ron Riley of Ponca City, OK, Robert "Bud" Wills of Pomona, KS, and niece, Sue King of Zibulawn, NC. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Memorials may be made in his name to the First Baptist Church Elevator Fund or the Paola American Legion in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 305 N. Pearl, Paola, KS 66071. Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery Service: Graveside Service Tuesday, June 15, 2010 1:30 PM Visitation: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM