James Wherry Willis, age 36, died suddenly at his home in New York City on June 15, 2006. Just a shade under 6 feet, six inches, Jim was the epitome of a gentle giant; quiet and thoughtful with a smile that could light up a room. Born in Middletown, CT, the son of academics, Jim grew up playing on college campuses all across America. During this time, Jim developed a life-long love for skiing and sailing. He graduated from University High School at the University of Chicago, received a B.A. from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and a Masters Degree in Public Policy from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. At the time of his death, he was a Manager in the Transfer Pricing Practice in the New York City office of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Jim was beloved by his parents, Robert J. and Anne Marie Willis of Ann Arbor; and sister, Danielle L. Willis of San Francisco. Jim is also survived by a multitude of aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues. And all of them will miss him terribly. Memorial contributions can be made to the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, Lawrence University or the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Visitation will be Sunday, June 25 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South 4th Street in Ann Arbor, MI. Funeral Services will be Monday, June 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Student Parish, 331 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor. Burial to follow at Arborcrest Memorial Park.
