WILLETS, Frank James

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Frank James Willets May 9, 1936 - January 12, 2015 Frank James Willets, known as Jim, passed away January 12, 2015, in Tucson, AZ. Jim was born in Bridgeport, CT in 1936. He grew up in Portland, OR, and spent his teen years in Redwood City, CA. In 1954 his family moved to Los Angeles, where he lived until moving to Colorado in 1984. In his work life he worked for Hughes Aircraft, Litton Industries, and PerTec, before becoming part of a start-up company called Computer Memories Inc, where he designed one of the first computer hard drives. He was not the inventor of the microchip, as was rumored, and which gave him a good chuckle. He retired to Estes Park, where he lived until 2002, when he started wintering in Saddlebrooke, Arizona. His interests included softball, boating, flying, and animal rescue. He was a history buff, and loved travel. With a group of good friends, he rode from coast to coast and border to border of the U.S. on his motorcycle. He made many trips to Europe and Scandinavia, but Italy was his favorite. He was an avid reader and photographer, and had a deep appreciation of music of all kinds. Jim is survived by Elena Willets, his wife of 40 years; his son Frank James Willets of Nampa, ID; his daughter Denyse Yanez; his grandchildren Erin Willets, Arturo Yanez, Amanda Willets, Lucas Yanez, and Tyler Yanez; and three great-grandchildren. His life was not long, but it was full, and he lived it well. A memorial service is planned for this summer in Estes Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you might make a donation to the Pet Association of Estes Park, or to the animal rescue group of your choice.