John Arthur Willis, Jr.
November 28, 1920 - October 18, 2013
Obituary
John Arthur Willis, Jr. was born Nov. 28, 1920 in New Orleans , Louisiana, the oldest of 3 sons born to John Arthur Willis, Sr. and Regina Jacquet Willis. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Harold and Bobbie.
He attended Danneel Public school and graduated from Gilbert Academy Private High School in New Orleans. At the age of 17, he was the first African American in the city of New Orleans to attain the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boys Scouts of America.
He attended Dillard University in New Orleans where he graduated in 1942, cum laude with the Bachelor of Arts degree. He became a member of Omega Psi Phi. He met fellow classmate Josie Lee Moses while at Dillard. They married on May 30, 1943. The Lord blessed that union with 3 daughters; Norma, Emily, Deborah and with 2 sons, Arthur and Donald. He was preceded in death by his wife on May 21, 2001 and his children Arthur (1965) and Emily (1996).
He volunteered with the Navy during World War II and joined the U.S. Navy Band which was dispatched to the Sand Point Naval Air Station, Seattle, WA. He played the saxophone. They called themselves the “Jive Bombers “. After discharge from the Navy, the band remained together and performed locally.
He attended the University of Washington where he received the Masters degree in Social work in 1958. He was employed by King County (Juvenile Court) State of Washington (Luther Burbank School). He was employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital for 30 years where he was instrumental in recognizing the need for and helping to organize the Day Treatment Center as part of outpatient care in the Mental Health Clinic at the V A Hospital. He was also involved with Model Cities. He was secretary of 493 Musicians Union and assisted in the integration of the Seattle Local 76-493 American Federation of Musicians.
He joined the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Seattle in 1966. He served for many years in the capacity of elder and lay reader.
John Arthur Willis, Jr. departed this life to be with the Lord on Oct. 18, 2013. He is survived by daughters Norma Hunt, of Seattle, Deborah McNair of Decatur, GA, Donald Willis of Seattle, 4 grandchildren, Jerome Hunt, William Hunt of Seattle, Sierra McNair, Raymond McNair of Decatur, GA and several great grandchildren.
Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 23 from 2-5 pm at Bonney-Watson Capitol Hill, 1732 Broadway, Seattle, WA. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 24 at 11:00 am at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 2116 E. Union St., Seattle, WA. Interment Washington Memorial Park.
Resurrection peace & comfort to the family and friends who will miss him dearly!
John Willis was our next door neighbor for many years. Like many in his generation, John was a gentleman – an example of what we have lost at a time in history where life is fast-paced and sometimes overly casual. We appreciated his decency and his willingness to laugh at my husband’s jokes. We will miss him. We send our sympathies and best wishes to his family.