Celebrating the life of
James E. Willms
February 27, 1951 - October 11, 2014
Savannah- James E. Willms, 63, died, Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Spanish Oaks Retreat under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice.
Jim was born in Milwaukee, WI, the son of the late Eugene and Juliette Willms. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and a veteran of the United States Army where he served as a German translator during the Cold War. Jim loved to live abroad and was able to visit many countries during his life. He was a communicant of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and retired from PPG after 39 years of service as a financial manager.
He is survived by his wife of fourteen years, Elena Berruti, daughters, Juliette Willms, Angela Willms, Jennifer W. Bocook (Matt), and Lindsay W. Sullivan (Eric), son, Gregory Willms (Lauren), brother, Tom Willms (Penny), and sister, Janice Self. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Hillary, Jake, Rebecca, Parker, and Jackson.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Catholic Cemetery
Remembrances may be made to www.carcinoid.org>about us.
Please sign our guest book on line at www.foxandweeks.com
So sorry to hear of your loss. Let me know if there is anything I can help you. May God bless you and your family.
- Richard Hinely, Savannah, GA
Elena, so sorry for you loss. We'll be thinking about you. Let us know if we can help you and your family in any way.
- BR Marshall and Family, Savannah, GA
Dear Elena, My deepest sympathies are extended to you and your family. May you find comfort and peace wrapped in the protective mantle of our Blessed Mother. Ciao, belladonna.
- Jeffrey Pawlak, Pittsburgh, PA
Elena - Please know that I am thinking of you. I'm so sorry that Jim lost his battle, and left you and your girls. My sympathies go out to you and Jim's entire family. Keep your faith to get through a very rough time. - Gayle
- Gayle Helsley, Pittsburgh, PA
Dear Elena, our deepest sympathies on your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. God Bless.
- Paul Bruzinski and Family, Wexford, PA
We are sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need any help at all.
- Stephen Keel, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy to Elena and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort and give you strength and let Jim rest in peace.
- Jim Fortne, Pittsburgh, PA
Cara Elena, ti faccio le mie più sentite condoglianze. It was a great shock to learn of Jim's death.
- Rick Tepper, Lausanne Switzerland,
We are sorry for your loss and remember you in our prayers.
- Clark Gibson, Savannah, GA
Dear Elena, I am very sorry to hear about Jim's death. I wish you and your two children strength during these difficult days. Remmelt
- Remmelt Jongejan, Tripscompagnie, Netherlands
Dear Elena, It is sad to hear that Jim passed away so young. I wiss you and your family all the strength you need.
- Henk Jongejan, Hoogezand, The Netherlands, NL
My condolences to Jim's family and may the peace of God be with his family. There is comfort knowing that Jim is asleep and is experiencing no more pain. He is asleep at the threshold of a time when sickness,death and the sorrow it produces will be a thing of the past. REVELATION 21:3,4
- Henry, lawrenceville, GA
He was so handsome, smart and witty I couldn't resist. We were very young, poor and stupidly happy! In 25 years we chased our dreams, listened to good music and had 3 beautiful children. I never imagined life without him and although we weren't together I feel sad and lonely. Love always, Sue
- Susan Eldridge, Powell, OH
Estimada Elena, Lo siento mucho. Mi esposa tambien perdio a su hermano este a~no y no es facil pero tu tienes una familia muy bella que te ayudara a superar esta tremenda perdida. Tu amigo, Karl
- Karl Matos, Sewickley, PA
Elena, C’est avec grand effroi que je viens de prendre connaissance de cette triste nouvelle et ne peux penser qu’a vous a cet instant et n’incline pour me recueillir. Je ne peux être parmi vous, mais me joindrai en pensées et en prières jeudi prochain. J’ai toujours ce souvenir heureux de nos missions en Italie à Quattordio et cette journée d’hiver lointaine déjà ou vous vous êtes rencontrés. Nos routes se sont éloignées il y a quelques années après le baptême de Juliette et votre séjour à Paris. Mais le passé est toujours présent des bons moments et du soutien de Jim tout au long de mon parcours a PPG. C’est à lui que je dois cette immersion dans la finance. C’est à lui que je dois beaucoup de choses. Je suis triste Elena pour toi et pour toute ta famille et voudrai te présenter toutes mes sincères condoléances. Au souvenir, ensemble, de tous ces moments partagés. Fabrice from Paris and sorry for not having taken time to write it in English, but Jim would have enjoyed it in French with a nice glass of red wine.
- Fabrice Piquemal, Paris, France
We are saddened to hear the news about Jim. As you have said, he has passed to a better life now. Hold tight to your faith during this time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Tonya and Dusty Allen, Savannah, Georgia
Un abbraccio fortissimo a te e alle bambine. Con affetto Sara
- Sara Bogliolo, Rimini, Italia
Elena, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy,
- Angie Walker, Rincon, GA
My deepest sympathy to Elena and the girls. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Jim's family. May God comfort and give you strength.
- Sheila Brady, Butler, PA
We are so saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the girls and the Willms family during this difficult time. May his memories live on forever in your hearts.
- Crystal Bartlett and Family, Harmony, PA
let me know if theres something we can do during this difficult time
- tony stephens, rincon, ga
My prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
- Raymond F Newton Sr, Savannah, GA
Elena, I'm so sorry; you and your girls are in our thoughts and prayers. Matthew 5:4 – Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
- Jeanine Gordon, Savannah, Georgia
Elena,my condolences to you and your family. Praying for your strength during this difficult time.
- Andrea M. Carter, Savannah, Georgia
Elena, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your daughters and Jim's extended family. May you find peace in the love that you shared, the joy in your children and the memories you will carry forever. God Bless.
- Patty Barnett, Beaver Falls, PA
Elena, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your daughters and Jim's extended family. May you find peace in the love that you shared, the joy in your children and the memories you will carry forever. God Bless.
- Patty Barnett, Beaver Falls, PA
Lindsay and family, I have very fond memories of Jim as a part of my childhood growing up with Lindsay. All the slumber parties with Jim putting up with a bunch of loud teenage girls and also the time we shared in Paris. He was a great man who raised one of my best friends. I'm very sorry for your loss and prayers to everyone in the family.
- Erin Hatfield, Delaware, Ohio
Elena, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Jim. My thoughts and prayers to you, the girls and all of Jim's family to find peace. God Bless.
- Linda Eminson, Round Rock, TX
So sad to hear of the loss of Jim. Sending you thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Sending you much love.
- Sarah Schade, Pittsburgh, PA
Elena, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will cherish the opportunity I had to visit with your family and share thoughts and prayers. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please call at any time if you need anyone to talk with who has been through the loss of a spouse.
- Judy Brinkman, Kankakee, IL
Elena, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Brian Coleridge, Chesterland, OH
I was saddened to hear this news over the weekend, and wish Elena, the girls, and the entire extended family peace and togetherness as you all go through this tough time.
- Ed Keller, Charlotte, NC
Elena-I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the Willms family.
- Susan Jackson, Brussels, BE
We were truly saddened to hear about the passing of Jim after his long struggle. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elena and the rest of Jim's family. Elena, if there is anything we can do to help please let us know.
- Dave and Deb Longhini, Pittsburgh, PA
Elena, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the heartache you must be feeling. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Bill Thorne, North Fayette, PA
Deepest sympathy to Elena, the girls and the entire Willms family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Chris and Wendy Hewitt, Birmingham, MI
Condolences to all of Jim's family. My heart especially goes out to Elena, Angela and Julia as I have worked with Elena and gotten to know what a strong, kind, loving person she is. She loved and cared for Jim every day during his struggle to battle cancer. May God Bless each of Jim's family members and give you strength and comfort.
- Lynda Peacock, Pooler, ga
I offer my deepest condolences to Elena and the entire Willms family. I am very saddened by your loss. May God comfort you through this difficult period.
- Daryl Holden, Cincinnati, OH
With deepest sympathy. I'll always remember the days of playing in a rock and roll band with Jim when he would sing and play all the popular music from the 1970's. Sometimes, if you can imagine it, Jim would get on my shoulders and we'd be playing and singing at the same time in front of hundreds of people. Hard to believe that he is gone! He was a true professional in both his job and his family life. Will be deeply missed by fellow members of his band also. Regards, Mike Miskulin
- Mike Miskulin, Kokomo, IN
So sorry to hear of your loss. Let me know if there is anything I can help you. May God bless you and your family.
- Richard Hinely, Savannah, GA
Elena, so sorry for you loss. We'll be thinking about you. Let us know if we can help you and your family in any way.
- BR Marshall and Family, Savannah, GA
Dear Elena, My deepest sympathies are extended to you and your family. May you find comfort and peace wrapped in the protective mantle of our Blessed Mother. Ciao, belladonna.
- Jeffrey Pawlak, Pittsburgh, PA
Elena - Please know that I am thinking of you. I'm so sorry that Jim lost his battle, and left you and your girls. My sympathies go out to you and Jim's entire family. Keep your faith to get through a very rough time. - Gayle
- Gayle Helsley, Pittsburgh, PA
Dear Elena, our deepest sympathies on your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. God Bless.
- Paul Bruzinski and Family, Wexford, PA
We are sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need any help at all.
- Stephen Keel, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy to Elena and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort and give you strength and let Jim rest in peace.
- Jim Fortne, Pittsburgh, PA
Cara Elena, ti faccio le mie più sentite condoglianze. It was a great shock to learn of Jim's death.
- Rick Tepper, Lausanne Switzerland,
We are sorry for your loss and remember you in our prayers.
- Clark Gibson, Savannah, GA
Dear Elena, I am very sorry to hear about Jim's death. I wish you and your two children strength during these difficult days. Remmelt
- Remmelt Jongejan, Tripscompagnie, Netherlands
Dear Elena, It is sad to hear that Jim passed away so young. I wiss you and your family all the strength you need.
- Henk Jongejan, Hoogezand, The Netherlands, NL
My condolences to Jim's family and may the peace of God be with his family. There is comfort knowing that Jim is asleep and is experiencing no more pain. He is asleep at the threshold of a time when sickness,death and the sorrow it produces will be a thing of the past. REVELATION 21:3,4
- Henry, lawrenceville, GA
He was so handsome, smart and witty I couldn't resist. We were very young, poor and stupidly happy! In 25 years we chased our dreams, listened to good music and had 3 beautiful children. I never imagined life without him and although we weren't together I feel sad and lonely. Love always, Sue
- Susan Eldridge, Powell, OH
Estimada Elena, Lo siento mucho. Mi esposa tambien perdio a su hermano este a~no y no es facil pero tu tienes una familia muy bella que te ayudara a superar esta tremenda perdida. Tu amigo, Karl
- Karl Matos, Sewickley, PA
Elena, C’est avec grand effroi que je viens de prendre connaissance de cette triste nouvelle et ne peux penser qu’a vous a cet instant et n’incline pour me recueillir. Je ne peux être parmi vous, mais me joindrai en pensées et en prières jeudi prochain. J’ai toujours ce souvenir heureux de nos missions en Italie à Quattordio et cette journée d’hiver lointaine déjà ou vous vous êtes rencontrés. Nos routes se sont éloignées il y a quelques années après le baptême de Juliette et votre séjour à Paris. Mais le passé est toujours présent des bons moments et du soutien de Jim tout au long de mon parcours a PPG. C’est à lui que je dois cette immersion dans la finance. C’est à lui que je dois beaucoup de choses. Je suis triste Elena pour toi et pour toute ta famille et voudrai te présenter toutes mes sincères condoléances. Au souvenir, ensemble, de tous ces moments partagés. Fabrice from Paris and sorry for not having taken time to write it in English, but Jim would have enjoyed it in French with a nice glass of red wine.
- Fabrice Piquemal, Paris, France
We are saddened to hear the news about Jim. As you have said, he has passed to a better life now. Hold tight to your faith during this time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Tonya and Dusty Allen, Savannah, Georgia
Un abbraccio fortissimo a te e alle bambine. Con affetto Sara
- Sara Bogliolo, Rimini, Italia
Elena, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy,
- Angie Walker, Rincon, GA
My deepest sympathy to Elena and the girls. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Jim's family. May God comfort and give you strength.
- Sheila Brady, Butler, PA
We are so saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the girls and the Willms family during this difficult time. May his memories live on forever in your hearts.
- Crystal Bartlett and Family, Harmony, PA
let me know if theres something we can do during this difficult time
- tony stephens, rincon, ga
My prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
- Raymond F Newton Sr, Savannah, GA
Elena, I'm so sorry; you and your girls are in our thoughts and prayers. Matthew 5:4 – Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
- Jeanine Gordon, Savannah, Georgia
Elena,my condolences to you and your family. Praying for your strength during this difficult time.
- Andrea M. Carter, Savannah, Georgia
Elena, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your daughters and Jim's extended family. May you find peace in the love that you shared, the joy in your children and the memories you will carry forever. God Bless.
- Patty Barnett, Beaver Falls, PA
Elena, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your daughters and Jim's extended family. May you find peace in the love that you shared, the joy in your children and the memories you will carry forever. God Bless.
- Patty Barnett, Beaver Falls, PA
Lindsay and family, I have very fond memories of Jim as a part of my childhood growing up with Lindsay. All the slumber parties with Jim putting up with a bunch of loud teenage girls and also the time we shared in Paris. He was a great man who raised one of my best friends. I'm very sorry for your loss and prayers to everyone in the family.
- Erin Hatfield, Delaware, Ohio
Elena, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Jim. My thoughts and prayers to you, the girls and all of Jim's family to find peace. God Bless.
- Linda Eminson, Round Rock, TX
So sad to hear of the loss of Jim. Sending you thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Sending you much love.
- Sarah Schade, Pittsburgh, PA
Elena, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will cherish the opportunity I had to visit with your family and share thoughts and prayers. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please call at any time if you need anyone to talk with who has been through the loss of a spouse.
- Judy Brinkman, Kankakee, IL
Elena, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Brian Coleridge, Chesterland, OH
I was saddened to hear this news over the weekend, and wish Elena, the girls, and the entire extended family peace and togetherness as you all go through this tough time.
- Ed Keller, Charlotte, NC
Elena-I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the Willms family.
- Susan Jackson, Brussels, BE
We were truly saddened to hear about the passing of Jim after his long struggle. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elena and the rest of Jim's family. Elena, if there is anything we can do to help please let us know.
- Dave and Deb Longhini, Pittsburgh, PA
Elena, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the heartache you must be feeling. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Bill Thorne, North Fayette, PA
Deepest sympathy to Elena, the girls and the entire Willms family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Chris and Wendy Hewitt, Birmingham, MI
Condolences to all of Jim's family. My heart especially goes out to Elena, Angela and Julia as I have worked with Elena and gotten to know what a strong, kind, loving person she is. She loved and cared for Jim every day during his struggle to battle cancer. May God Bless each of Jim's family members and give you strength and comfort.
- Lynda Peacock, Pooler, ga
I offer my deepest condolences to Elena and the entire Willms family. I am very saddened by your loss. May God comfort you through this difficult period.
- Daryl Holden, Cincinnati, OH
With deepest sympathy. I'll always remember the days of playing in a rock and roll band with Jim when he would sing and play all the popular music from the 1970's. Sometimes, if you can imagine it, Jim would get on my shoulders and we'd be playing and singing at the same time in front of hundreds of people. Hard to believe that he is gone! He was a true professional in both his job and his family life. Will be deeply missed by fellow members of his band also. Regards, Mike Miskulin
- Mike Miskulin, Kokomo, IN
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
