Jim Willis

Jim Willis (1928–2026) was an eminent United States figure whose career in sports left an enduring mark on national and global culture. Over decades of dedicated public service and professional excellence, Jim exemplified integrity, innovation, and leadership.

James Gladden Willis was an American professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 1953 and 1954 seasons for the Chicago Cubs. Listed at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 175 lb (79 kg), Willis batted left-handed and threw right-handed. He was born in Doyline, Louisiana, and attended Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Over two seasons, Willis posted a 2–2 record with a 3.39 ERA in 27 appearances, including four starts and two complete games, giving up 25 runs on 59 hits and 35 walks while striking out 20. Willis died on January 2, 2026, at the age of 98....

The passing of Jim Willis on 2026-01-02 marked the close of a transformative chapter, inspiring future generations across United States and around the world to uphold the values of excellence, empathy, and enduring accomplishment.