Willie James Borders

Willie J. Borders of Walla Walla Passed away, Monday, January 8, 2018 at his home at the age of 82 years surrounded by his family.

Willie James Borders was born on June 19, 1935, was born to Simmie Ewell and Emma Lue Davis Borders, in Lovejoy, (Brooklyn) Illinois. He attended school on Goose-Hill, Garfield and Carver schools, also Rock Jr. High and Eastside High, after graduation, on October 15, 1952, he went into the Military, The United States Air Force.

In 1952, he was sent to Lackland A.F.B. San Antonia, Texas. After training in 1953, he was sent over to Brooks A.F.B. Texas. In 1954 he was sent to Kimpo A.F.B. Korea. After 13 months he was transferred to Fort Wayne Army Post, Detroit, Michigan as a Security Police.

In 1957 he married his childhood sweetheart, Miss Minnie Lee Sattlefield in Detroit, Michigan, and in 1959 and 1961 the couple had two daughters. Nanette LeLand and Jacquelyn Denine. 1962 they were shipped to West Germany, the city of Moechengladboch, where they had two more daughters, Felicia Rochelle and Cheryl Anne. On their return to the United States, he was sent to Duluth International Air Port, Duluth Minnesota. In 1968, the family came to Walla Walla for a visit, on his return to Duluth, he has orders to return to Olson A.F.B. Korea. In 1969 he moved his family back to Walla Walla, Washington.

In 1970 he returned home to his family and he lived in Spokane, Washington at Fairchild Air Force Base for the next two years. In December he retired from Active Service and went to work at the VA Hospital in Walla Walla. In 1976 he entered the nursing program at the Walla Walla Community College. Upon graduating, he went to work at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. In 1994 he retired from the Penitentiary and started writing books.

Most recently, they enjoyed their 50th anniversary party at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. His pride and joy were his children and especially his 4 grandchildren and his one Great-Grandbaby. Until his recent illness, he loved collecting old rare coins, old comic books, and baseball cards, Baseball players Postal and small old cars.

He is survived by his wife, Minnie L. Borders, his five daughters, Jaclyn Mohammed, Nanette LeLand Borders, Jacquelyn Denine Borders, Felecia Rochelle Sexton and Cheryl Ann (Babe) Borders, Two son-in-law’s, (John) Mahlon Sexton, Michael Brown and three adopted sons, Nolan Hardin, A. Simeon Francis and Reginald Watkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father, Simmie Ewell Borders and Mother Emma Lue (Davis) Borders and his brother, Sim Ewell Borders.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Herring Funeral Home on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 11:00AM with Pastor Gary Casey and Clint McCullough, officiating. Viewing and Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 from 9:00AM until 1:00PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Mary Regional Cancer Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home 315 W. Alder Walla Walla, WA.