Gayle Odessa Willis James

Nov 13, 2021

1924 — 2021

Gayle Odessa Willis James passed away on October 16, 2021 at the William E Christofferson Salt Lake Veteran’s Home. Gayle was born on Leap Day February 29, 1924, in Los Angeles, CA to Walter Gordon and Ivie Pearl Willis. Gayle loyally served in the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service Program from 1944-1946.

Gayle grew up in Provo, Utah and spent time in Draper and St George, Utah, and in San Francisco and Grass Valley, California.

Gayle graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah with an emphasis in English Literature and later taught at Utah Valley Community College. Gayle was also a selfless caretaker of her parents, Walter and Ivie for many years. We are all very grateful for the time and patience Gayle showed her parents.

Gayle was a lover of life and stayed active throughout her 97 years! She was an avid reader, lover of nature, and continually kept up to date and active in current events. Gayle was an independent woman and in so many ways, ahead of her time. Gayle enjoyed reading, attending performing arts events, listening to classical Jazz, Piano and Guitar and practicing Tai Chi.

Gayle married John A. James in 1996 in Capital Reef at a beautiful and spiritual sunrise ceremony, they lived their lives together in Grass Valley, California until John’s death in 2015. Gayle and John met in 1952 in San Francisco and later reconnected thanks to a mutual friend bringing them together again. Gayle had many close friends and chosen family throughout her life.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, John James; brother, Paul F Willis and parents; Walter and Ivie Willis. Gayle is survived by her brother, Richard Stuart Willis and his wife Barbara; and her nieces and nephews David Willis (Elaine), Gordon Willis (Susan), Michael Willis, Kevin Willis, Lorena Foster (Stuart), and Jennifer Willis-Blomquist (Rodney).

A graveside memorial service will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial in Millcreek on Saturday, November 13th at 11 am. Friends and family are welcome.