Willingham, James "Mike" M.

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November 20, 1948 - August 16, 2014

Mike was born to Wes and Betty Jo Willingham on November 20, 1948 in Paris Texas.  He passed away on August 16, 2014 in Dallas, TX.

Mike graduated from Paris High School in 1966, and attended Paris Jr. College and Texas A&M.  Mike was very patriotic and proud of his country; he served in the National Guard for six years.  After college Mike enjoyed his primary occupation: serving as Sheet Metal Engineer for several companies; working in Atlanta, GA, Pryor, OK, and Dallas, TX.  However, for the last 13 years he experienced a great deal of travel in the Metroplex, working as a courier.

Outside of work, Mike enjoyed many fandoms and hobbies.  He loved music, specifically country and rock’n’roll. He very proudly cheered on his local teams- the Aggies, Rangers, and Cowboys.  His absolute favorite Dallas Cowboy was the famous, “Dandy Don” Meredith.

When he wasn’t watching sports he enjoyed challenging his brain with puzzles, trivia, and museums. Watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were a favorite pastime, and he loved to play along.  His love of learning didn’t end with TV- he enjoyed spending many hours at the new Perot Museum of Science and Nature and Science.  Puzzles were another favorite of his-math puzzles like Sudoku and KenKen, as well as crosswords.   Maybe not as scientific but just as fun, he enjoyed betting on the “ponies”, and basically anything else that could be wagered.

Mike is survived by his wife of 22 years and 3 months & best friend for over 24 years, Pamela Willingham of Dallas, TX; sister and brother-in-law, Kay and David Hinds of Forney, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Joy and Jerry Wade, of Azle, TX; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Terri Willingham, of Dublin, TX; brothers-in-laws, Ed Daniels and Blynn Breton, of Ion, CA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Susan and Randy Snider, of Vallejo, CA; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be at 1PM on Friday August 22, 2014 at Aria Preston Chapel, 19310 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75252. A Celebration of Life will be held at Richardson Bar & Grill immediately following services 1411 East Campbell Road #101 Richardson, TX 75081 972-437-6216.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Mike’s honor be made to VITAS Hospice, 8585 North Stemmons Fwy., Suite 200 South Tower Dallas, TX 75247 214.424.5600, or a favorite hospice organization of your choice.

Gig ’em Mike!