James M. Bills

James Martin Bills was born on June 20, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to Louise and Robert Kendrick Bills. As a child, he excelled in athletics, particularly in swimming, wrestling and tennis. Later on in life, he discovered his desire to continue his education and obtained Masters degrees in education, business administration and economics. He spent several summers teaching tennis at Brant Lake Camp in upstate New York, was an elementary school teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Dearborn, Michigan, was a claims adjuster at AAA Michigan and later was an Economist at Comerica Bank in Detroit. Jim loved life and there were so many things that made him happy. There were the annual trips to the Stratford Festival in Ontario, the fly-fishing father/son trips on the Au Sable River, the daddy/daughter nights at the Detroit Symphony which included dessert at the Ritz Carlton, mother’s day brunch at the Dearborn Inn, climbing the sand dunes up north until he could see Lake Michigan, and the Saturday date nights with his wife. Jim loved sports, watching, participating and encouraging his children to play sports. Whether it was soccer, baseball, wrestling or tennis he always instilled in them to do their best and enjoyed every one of their games and tournaments. He was their number one fan. Jim took up sailing four years ago when he joined the ASI Sailing Club, completed all levels and received his required designation. Two years ago he sailed the North Channel and then last year sailed the North Channel again, this time as captain of the boat. He was so proud and he loved sailing so much. Jim passed away at the age of 64 on December 6, 2012 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from complications of pneumonia. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Gloria, who he was married to for 33 years, his wonderful children, Sarah and John and his beautiful little granddaughters, Faith and Elisabeth who adored their “Gaboo”. He also leaves behind his sister, Jean Sarr (Robert), sister-in-law, Frida Turner (Glen), brother-in-law, Dennis Vella, cousin, Kay Cornell (Michael Beauchamp), nephews, Michael Sarr, Brandon Vella, and nieces, Jennifer Sarr, Ashley Vella. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 10:30am from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church 47650 North Territorial Rd, Plymouth, visitation will begin at 10:00am until time of mass. Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home 280 South Main St., Wednesday from 2:00pm until 9:00pm with a scripture service at 7:00pm. Memorials may be made to the Gift of Life Transplant House 705 2nd St. S.W. Rochester, MN 55902.