James E. “Jim” Wills, age 93 of Dayton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Kettering Health Network – Main Campus, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on November 29, 1932, in Germantown, Ohio, the son of the late Viva (Centers) & Bruce Wills.

Jim graduated from Ohio Northern College of Pharmacy and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air service during the Korean War. Jim devoted 40 years to his work as a pharmacist at Woody’s Market and continued his pharmacy career for another 20 years at the Medicine Shoppe and other locations. He attended Westminster Presbyterian Church. Jim enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, including playing the French horn, learning Latin, caring for his beloved “Love Birds,” bird watching, football, and farming, especially planting and harvesting. Jim also found joy in restoring antique bicycles. Some of his high wheeler bicycles can be seen on display at Carillon Historical Park (Dayton History). He was the author of many books including “Pharmacy Soapbox”. Above all, Jim cherished his family and took comfort in knowing they were cared for.

Preceded in death by his son David Wills, his grandson Shawn Hayden, his great grandson Trey Wills, his brother Timothy “Tim” Wills, and by his sister Nancy J. (Wills) Weidle.

Jim’s memory will be cherished by his loving children, Donna Lefeld and her husband Mike, Joy Porter, and Jody Grimme and her husband Chris; his brother, Dr. Peter M. “Mike” Wills and his wife Mary; his 7 grandchildren, Keith Hayden, Jenny Matson and her husband Jon, Corey Wills, Kayla Wills, Michael Porter, Cody Porter, and Amanda Miller; his 9 great-grandchildren; and his many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Twin Valley Cemetery, Gratis, Ohio with Military Honors conducted by the Combined Honor Guard, and Rev. Dr. Joel Getts officiating.

If so desired memorial contributions may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Granham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201-0001 in memory of Mr. James E. “Jim” Wills.

Please share memories and condolences at www.swartfuneralhome.com. Expressions of Sympathy, Love, and Thinking of You cards may be sent to The Family of Mr. James E. “Jim” Wills, C/O Swart Funeral Home, 207 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton, Ohio 45449.