James O. Willson

SERVICES: Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, July 12, 2007, at Memory Gardens Cemetery, with Rev. Fred Palmer, pastor of the Carpenter's Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Willson was born March 2, 1933 in Pampa, to Roy "Pappy" and Ethel Clonts Willson. He was a lifelong resident of Pampa, graduating from Pampa High School in 1952. He enlisted in the U. S. Army on March 23, 1953 and was honorably discharged on March 22, 1955. He married Shirley Jean Cotham on June 1, 1954 in Pampa. She preceded him in death in September of 2001. He was employed by Cabot Corp. and IRI International as a welder, retiring in 1986 after 30 years of service. He continued working helping his friends at Granny's Home Cooking. He loved rodeos, especially the roping events. He enjoyed many years of riding and roping on "Sandy." He was a member of the Gold Dusters C.B. Club, the American Radio Relay League, Inc., and Southern Skies Riding Club. SURVIVORS: 1 Son: Tim Willson & wife Kim of Pampa. 1 Daughter: Lisa Stevens & husband Albert of Pampa. 6 Grandchildren: Kelli Willson, Colby Stevens, Keith Stevens and Layne Stevens, all of Pampa, Brad Holden of Laredo, and Brandi Holden of San Antonio. 1 Brother: Alfred Willson & wife Gloria of Pampa. 2 Sisters: Nadine Lockhart of Amarillo and Betty Craig & husband Robert of Pampa. 1 Sister-in-Law: Mary Willson of Lubbock. 1 Brother-in-Law: Robert Duggan of Stamford. Many nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother Lloyd Willson, and 2 sisters Ruth Camp and Viola Duggan.