Jack Donald Willis

Born as David Leroy McGill on August 12, 1952 in Lexington, MO, Jack was given up for
adoption at age 3 in 1955 and given the name Willis.

In 1990, at age 38, he found his biological family, got to know them well and continued to have a relationship with them until his passing. He has 5 siblings and 2 half siblings.

In 2006, at age 54, he discovered that his folks had never legally adopted him. and his name had
never been changed to Willis. So he petitioned the court to legally change his name.

A graduate of Van Horn High School, Jack also attended Central Mo. State University and
Purdue University.

He married the love of his life, Nancy Jean Bronson in 1972 and raised 2 children: Jason and
Sarah.

His 6 grandchildren became the focus of his time and energy the last 20 years.

Professionally, Jack was as diverse and varied as his skills. Salesman, business consultant, marketing manager, restaurant manager, offset printer, real estate agent, firearms specialist, casino games dealer, termite control specialist, trainer, motivational public speaker and rock drummer.

When it came to leadership and community involvement. Jack had few boundaries. He spent:

6 years with the Independence Youth Athletic Association.
7 years with American Field Service foreign exchange program (3 years as Chapter President)
Created, developed and became a contributing writer for Harrah's Newsletter
Played drums and sang for an oldies rock and roll band for over 30 years
3 years as an instructor for the Independence School District Adult Education
2 years as President of the Heritage Park Homeowners Association
2001 graduate of the Independence Chamber of Commerce L.E. A.D. program
Authored and copyrighted a communication Training program.
Received the first (and ONLY) Dow AgroSciences Outstanding Sales Award in 2004.
Earned a specialized certification from Purdue University in Entymology.

Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by both of his biological parents, both adoptive parents; brother Terry McGill and sister, Ann Jeanette. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Jason, of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; his daughter, Sarah of Warrensburg, MO; 6 grandchildren; brother, Tom Willis, Jr., of Independence, MO; sisters, Bonnie Poole of Liberty, MO and Barbara Sharp of KCMO.