Livonia: At age 92, Jim passed away peacefully on December 13, 2021 at the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua, NY. He was born on March 10, 1929 in Rochester, NY to the late James P. and Marian (Loughborough) Willard. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his siblings; Walter, Van, and John Willard and Joanne Hackett. Survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce (Reeves) Willard and daughters; Paula Kritz (Jack Gallagher) of Livonia, Karen (Kenneth) McKee of Kentucky, and Brenda Fletcher of Livonia; grandchildren, Erin, Katie, Samantha, James, Zachary, and Mikayla; great-grandchildren, Walter, Frances, Bella, and Aubrey; brother Charles Willard; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jim graduated from Pittsford High School and later joined the US Army serving from 1949-1953. He was captain of Reeves Rebels softball team from 1958 for several years. He married Joyce on July 12, 1958, residing in Pittsford for 14 years before moving to the farm to start their restoration project and raising their family in Livonia on Federal Road. Jim dug swimming pools for J.D. Whiting until joining Operating Engineers Local 832 in Rochester, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator until his first retirement 32 years later. Jim farmed in Livonia from 1972 until three years ago when he retired a second time. He was active with the Hemlock Fair Association over 30+ years serving many roles including first vice president and for many years as a trustee. Jim was a member of the Avon American Legion Post 294. He enjoyed hunting and creating items from wood in his spare time.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, December 18 th , from 11am-1pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY where Jim’s Funeral Service will be held at 1pm, immediately following calling hours. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Livonia, NY with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Livonia Presbyterian Church, 3837 Center Street, Livonia, NY 14487 or to the Hemlock Fair Association, PO Box 263, Hemlock, NY 14466. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Paula and Karen so sorry to hear about your Dad. I’m sorry I could be there for you. It’s never easy losing your Dad I know lost both my parents now. I think of you two often and the times we spent together at your farm. Your Dad was always so nice to me. If you ever want to get in touch my phone number is
336-639-5753All my love
Sue Foote
I have enjoyed many years of deer hunting, telling deer hunting stories and helping bale hay and straw with Jim along with many other projects that he needed help with! He was an extremely hard worker! Unfortunately his health started going down hill before he could retire and enjoy life!!! Condolences to all family members! He will be sadly missed!!!
Sending my condolences. Keeping you all in prayer. Lew Stoffel
Joyce, Paula, Brenda, and family-We are so very sorry to hear that Jim has passed away. We know that he has struggled the last few years, but he was tough and didn’t give up easily. Of course, we know his family was so important, and he worked hard all his life. We will miss seeing him by your side, Joyce, and I can imagine the holidays will be very difficult for all of you. I hope he is at peace now and that you get all the support and love you need. Love, Laura, Brian, Lee, and Jacob Cooney
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I am sending all of you my love and prayers of comfort. ~ Jen Lessard
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joyce , and all the family.Dave and Mary Jo Dussault
My sincere condolences to all – such a beautiful family.Monica (Tenny) Converse
Brenda and family I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Randy and Jackie Blackmer
We are so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paula. So sorry for your loss! May the memories of the past keep him alive in your heart.
Oh Joyce, I am so very sorry. Please know that I am thinking of you with loveand prayers.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, Keeping you all in prayer. –
We are so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed my conversations with him about farming and sharing our stories while baling straw. He was a very dedicated to his farm work. the hemlock fair association and to his family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Your friends Deb and Karl