Willard James

Dr. Willard D James, 97, passed away peacefully at his home on May 20, 2025. Will was born June 13, 1927, in Aurora IL the son of Charles and Harriet (Samples) James. He attended Bardwell Elementary School and graduated from East Aurora High School in 1945. After proudly serving his country in the Air Force, he pursued his undergraduate education at Aurora College and Northern Illinois University. In 1957 he completed his doctorate studies at the University of Illinois receiving his PhD in Mathematics.

Will chose to relocate to California after graduation with a job at Philco in the aerospace industry, a career he pursued for several years. He moved into the education field first at Cal State Riverside then moved to Palo Alto to teach at Stanford. It was at Stanford in 1961 that he worked with Charles Stein to further Stein’s work and develop the James-Stein Estimation. In 1964 he relocated to Long Beach where he would spend twenty-three years teaching at Long Beach State until his retirement in 1987.

Will had a passion for many sports but reserved a special place in his heart for his Chicago Cubs and baseball in general. He was also dedicated to the Long Beach State women’s volleyball team rarely missing a home game. While golf often frustrated him, you could frequently find him at Skylinks thrashing the small ball. He also often traveled to his cabins to enjoy the outdoors as well as several trips to Alaska and the Northwest Territory.

Will always enjoyed reading and puzzle solving from crosswords to his favorite Sudoku for which he had an addiction. He treasured his dogs as many shared his life over the years but most recently Otis, his furry companion and best friend.

Uncle Willy is survived by his nephews Donald James (Judy) of Sugar Grove IL, Jim James (Marian) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and his niece Susan White (Gary, dec.) of Oswego IL as well as many, many grand nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Lewis F. James.

The family would especially like to thank his caregivers for their devoted service and compassion for the past decade or more.

Visitation will be held on June 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA. The memorial service will take place at 3:00 p.m. followed by interment.

In lieu of flowers charitable donations may be made to Aurora University in Aurora IL, the ASPCA or Long Beach Animal Care Services in Will’s name.

Willard will be laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601; Sequoia Lawn; Gate: 1, Section: 16, Lot: 12826, Grave: 1.