James (Jim) Laverne Willier, age 79, of Edina, MO passed away Monday, December 30, 2024 at Northeast Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.  Jim was born August 21, 1945 in Ottumwa, IA. He was the son of Wilber & Maxine Willier.

Jim graduated from Lancaster High School. Immediately after graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for 4 years.  He was a proud Vietnam War Veteran.  After his time in the service, Jim spent most of his working years as an over-the-road truck driver.  He was employed by Arkansas Best Freight (ABF) until his retirement in 2007.  At the time of his retirement, it was estimated that he had driven nearly 4 million miles during his career.  There were not too many places in the United States that he had not traveled to, and up until the time of his death, he would share stories with his family about different places and could still give you very detailed information about roads, landmarks, etc. He earned many Safe Driver Awards during his career.

On July 6, 1974 Jim was united in marriage to Delores Elaine Troutt in Brashear, MO. Together they shared almost 48 years of marriage and raised 6 children. Throughout the years Jim and Dude added 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren to their legacy.  Jim's family was his greatest treasure. Him and Dude could often times be found sitting on the front porch enjoying a visit with their neighbors or watching the grandkids play ball in the yard.

Survivors include his sons, Scott (Pam) Johns of Springfield, MO, Robert (Judy) Dailing of Powersite, MO, Jerrod (Jill) Willier of Des Moines, IA, and Justin (Amber) Willier of Des Moines, IA, two daughters, Tina (Roger) Waibel of Edina, MO and Amy (Craig) Miller of Edina, MO, three brothers-in-law Myrlen (Irene) Troutt of Rolla, MO, Ronnie (Lil) Troutt of Edina, MO, and Eddie (Kay) Troutt of Hannibal, MO, thirteen grandchildren, Lacy (Kelly) Hayes, Kisha (Kurt) Goodwin, Tyson (Stephanie) Johns, Amber (Tim) Parrish, Drew (Amanda) Frueh, Jourdain (Austin) Deldin, Delores (D.J.) Dailing, Breanna (Justin JJ) Walton, Hayden (Tadym) Miller, Kerbee Willier, Schuyler Willier, Grayson Miller, London Willier, sixteen great grandchildren, Amber (Chaz) Boatman, Isaiah (Emily) Prebe, Conner (Savannah) Hayes, Collin, Carrsen and Kinley Hayes, Cassidy and Kiersen Goodwin, Katie Skelton, Maddison and Douglass Frueh, Gara and Gage Parrish, David Dailing, James Walton and Suttyn Miller, two great-great grandchildren,  Alivia and Alijah Boatman and another great-great grandbaby set to arrive in June 2025 and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a sister Nancy (Dick) Smoot of Kirksville, MO

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, 2 sisters and 2 great grandchildren.

A Military graveside service will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions have been suggested to Edina Assembly of God Church, Knox Co. Nursing Home.  Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.