Harold "Jim" Willmore

MADISON- Harold “Jim” Willmore, age 88, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2018, at Our House Assisted Living in Cambridge.  He was born on March 4, 1930, in Decatur, Ill., the son of James H. and Velma (Baggett) Willmore.  He married Betty Travis on July 23, 1950, in Granite City, Ill.  Jim planned to pursue a career in chemistry when he attended St. Louis University in 1949.  His life took a new direction when in high school, he had joined the U.S. Marine Reserves and was called to active duty as the Korean War began.  Jim taught electronics while stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Waukegan, Ill.  After his discharge, Jim and Betty moved to Madison and operated Willmore’s TV Sales & Repair Service for 26 years.  In 1972, they purchased Grandview Cottages on Lake Monona.  The cottages were rented by the week to vacationers in the summer and to college students during the school year.  The cottages, built in the late 1930’s, were grandfathered in and Jim and Betty tore them down in 2005 to build a new home on the lot. In 1989, Jim completed the Certified NetWare Engineer program and installed networks for companies in Madison and Southern Wisconsin.  He was always reading and learning with his main interests being science, archeology and astronomy.  Jim was a pilot and a member of the Quiet Birdmen.  Each summer, he looked forward to flying his fishing buddies to Canada.  They returned with more stories than fish!  Jim was a long-time member of the Hope Rod and Gun Club and shot trap on a team until three years ago.  He enjoyed boating on the Madison lakes and trips overseas, but his favorite pastime was spent boating on the Mississippi River. Jim is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Tracy Punsel (Eric); son, Jim (Lori); grandson, Travis (Angie); great-grandchildren, Harper and Preston; brother, Bob; sister-in-law, Joyce Willmore; and nephews, Rick, Mike, Bruce and Steve.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dick; and sister, Nina. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, June 21, 2018, with the Rev. Scott Marrese-Wheeler presiding. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted to the Oakland-Cambridge Presbyterian Church, 313 E. Main St., Cambridge, 53523, or the Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, 53711. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com.Gunderson EastFuneral & Cremation Care5203 Monona Dr.(608) 221-5420  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420