Jamie Ryan Willis

He was born March 26, 1979, in Sandusky, Michigan, a son of Ricky and Sandra (Wilkinson) Willis. His family moved to Kalkaska, Michigan when he was a young child. He was raised there and was a 1997 graduate of Kalkaska High School.

On August 22, 2015 he married Marie Westman on Presque Isle and the couple hosted a reception at UP Bible Camp.

Jamie worked as a slot assistant at Turtle Creek Casino before beginning his career as a systems engineer at Haggerty Insurance Company in Traverse City, MI. He later was employed as a systems engineer at Canary Technologies based in San Francisco, CA.

He attended Little Lake Chapel serving as a deacon, sound operator and Kids Club helper. Jamie enjoyed driving kids to Sunday School. He was a bowler who participated the Marquette Friday Night Bowling League. Jamie enjoyed Fantasy Football and won his family’s league last year. He enjoyed playing video and computer games with his friends and his cats.

Jamie loved Jesus and his family, enjoying life with his wife, Marie and nephews.

Jamie is survived by his wife, Marie Willis of Gwinn; mother, Sandra Willis of Kalkaska, MI; siblings, Troy (Carrie) Willis and Jessie (Anna) Willis, both of Kalkaska; grandma, Clarissa Willis of Sherwood, MI; nieces & nephews, Emily, Brooklyn, Emily, Brycen, Thomas, Sophia, Emma, Abby, Lanie, Bryce, Raylee, Jessa and Brensen; and many aunts, uncles & cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father; grandfather, Emmett Ray Willis; uncles, Larry, Chuck and Joey; grandparents, Joe & Della.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Little Lake Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 4:30 pm in the church with his father-in-law, Pastor Ron Westman officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at https://my.gather.app/remember/jamie-willis-2026

Jamie’s family would like to thank Corporal Cassie Smith at Forsyth Twp. Police Dept., Forsyth EMS, Fire and Police Departments and the numerous volunteers that helped in the search for Jamie.

Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com