James Howard Willis was born on October 26, 1947, in Huntsville, Texas to the late, Jesse E. Willis and Velma Samuel Willis. James was raised by his grandparents Brack and Maggie Willis. He was well known in the community as "Zeke".

James accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Central Missionary Baptist Church, in Huntsville, Texas.

James received his formal education in Huntsville and graduated from Sam Houston High School. He drove Cement Trucks for many years until his health began to fail.

On February 16, 1970, James was united in holy matrimony to Jacqueline Williams Willis for 35 years until her passing in 2005. During this union, 4 daughters: Shelia, Denita Kaye, Angelia, and Janie were born. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, grandparents, daughter: Denita Kaye Williams; brother: Stanley Davis; sisters: Barbara Ann Willis, Alfricka Willis, and Veronica Willis.

James leaves to cherish his memories with his daughters: Janie Willis (Tommy); of Spring, Texas, Angelia Lewis (Keith), and Shelia Hill (Chris Hans); both of Huntsville, Texas; sister: Dianne Austin; of Galveston, Texas; brothers: Jessie Willis, Jr. (Earline); of Hitchcock, Texas, Leo Larry Willis (Jackie); of Bryan, Texas, Kenneth W. Willis, and Ricky Willis; of Galveston, Texas; 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, and additional relatives and friends, including good friend: Patricia Barton.