James Keplinger Willis

Graveside service at 3:00pm, Saturday September 25th at Laurel Land Fort Worth on 7100 Crowley Road. Officiating the graveside service is Chaplain Ron Copeland. Visitation is at 2:00pm to 3:00pm at Laural Land in Fort Worth Saturday September 25th.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Born April 9th 1931 in Graham Texas to Eldon and Helen Keplinger Willis. He graduated from Graham HS in 1948 and went on to SMU where he graduated in 1953 with double degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

In 1957 he married Patricia Matthews and they had three children, David Wayne Willis, Margaret Ann Wills, Steven Charles Willis.

James later married Evalyn Culp Jopling on August 21st 1965, and she had three children, Mark Wesley Jopling, Stephen Don Jopling, and Frederick Paul Jopling. James and Evalyn celebrated 56 years together August 2021.

After graduating College, James went to work for General Dynamics in Fort Worth Texas. In 1954 he was drafted into the Army and served two years. After he returned from his service, he returned to work for General Dynamics, then moved onto General Electric, and upon his retirement after 20 years from LTV.

He had a second career, as co-owner with his wife Evalyn, of Market on the Square in Granbury Texas where they owned an antique and gift shop on the Granbury Square until the fall of 2011.

James enjoyed working in the yard with the landscaping and gardening. He also enjoyed working with his tools in his shop, making and repairing furniture. He also enjoyed Bowling and playing with his dogs Beau and Bear.

James is survived by his wife of 56 years Evalyn. His oldest step-son Mark Jopling, his wife Cheryl, and their children, Misty, Chad, and Shane. Step-son Steve Jopling, and daughter Elvia. His son David Willis, and his wife Deena, their children, Sean, James Matthew, Philip, Amy, and Allison. Daughter Margaret Willis, and her daughter Theresa. Youngest son Charles Willis. Cousins Lurah Brawner and Melinda Padgett and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eldon and Helen Willis, and step-son Frederick Jopling.

Grandchildren – 10

Great-Grandchildren – 13

Great-Great-Grandchildren – 4