James Michael Willard

James Michael Willard, age 79 of Cheat Lake, Morgantown, WV, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 31, 2025, joining his beloved wife, Dianna Lee Shultz Willard, who passed away on March 19, 2024, in the eternal embrace of Heaven.

Jim was born on August 9, 1945, the son of the late Plummer and Dorothy Willard. Jim graduated from University High School in 1963, where he played the saxophone in the marching and stage bands. He went on to play in local jazz bands after high school. It was at summer band practice where he and Dianna first met. After high school, Jim enrolled at the Technician Training School in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where he graduated and was certified through the Mechanical Drafting Program.

Jim was in the United States Army Reserves and completed basic combat training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He received an honorable discharge in February of 1972.

Jim worked his entire career at Morgantown Machine and Hydraulics, and retired after 43 years of working as a Hydraulic and Mining Equipment Machinist. He was well respected in his field and was known for his willingness to share his extensive knowledge of hydraulics and mining machinery with many beginning machinists over the years.

Jim was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 411 of Morgantown. He held the office of Grand Esquire and was a true believer in the pillars of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity. Jim was involved in helping members of the local community through his participation in various food drives, holiday charity basket programs, veteran and military member assistance projects, and the National Drug Awareness Program. The Elks Lodge was also where he and Dianna loved spending time dining, dancing, and socializing with friends and family.

Jim found great joy in trout fishing the Cranberry River and Shaver’s Fork River, where he shared memorable experiences with his cherished fishing buddies and his future son-in-law, Tim. These fishing trips held a special significance, as Jim required Tim to catch a trout before granting his blessing for Tim to propose to his daughter, Tammy.

Jim was later blessed with the opportunity to pass on his love of fishing to his grandson, Jake, as well as his beloved great-grandson, Koen James. Jim would oftentimes be heard sharing the accomplishments of his grandson, and he made sure that everyone knew how proud his Pap was of the man and father that Jake had become.

Jim cherished every moment of the time that he spent sharing stories, laughing, and creating special memories with his granddaughter, Jordyn, to whom he referred as “his baby doll.” He was very proud of her for following her dreams and for working hard in pursuing her Master’s Degree at WVU. Pappy also wanted her to know how thankful he was for her genuinely kind, caring, and understanding heart and for helping the family care for him in his final days.

Jim enjoyed camping with his family and friends at Teter Creek, Big Bear Lake, and Revelle’s Campground where many funny stories were shared and fond memories were created around the evening campfires. He also enjoyed golfing, tailgating at WVU football games, and vacationing at Myrtle Beach.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Shirley Ann Judy, and his wife of 58 years, Dianna.

Jim is survived by his beloved daughter Tammy Willard Snider, (Tim), granddaughter Jordyn Snider, (Zach), grandson Jake Snider, (Hannah) and his great-grandson and namesake, Koen James Snider; as well as his brother-in-law, Butch Shultz and wife Cynthia. Also surviving are Jim’s sisters Phyllis Powers (Clifford), Mary Sue Wassick (Stanley), and Sharon Beall (Keith). Jim was blessed with twelve nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, as well as, great-great nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home, and a private burial service will be held at a later time. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, friends share treasured stories and cherished memories of Jim on his online guestbook at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com, as a celebration of his life.