Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Jim “Willy” Williford passed on Jan. 6, 2026, at Providence Portland Franz Cancer Center. He was born in Hardin County, Texas, on July 20, 1950. His parents, Ed and Gloria Williford moved the family, sisters Nancy and Joyce, to Hood River, Oregon, when Jim was 8. He graduated from Wy’east High in 1968 and served in the National Guards.
He married Mary Ann “Mimi” Lingren on Nov. 16, 1979, and raised their son, Jeff Lesselyoung, in Hood River. For Willy, sports were his passion; the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco 49ers and Oregon Ducks were his teams. He also ran the Hood River Golf men’s association golf tournaments for several years.
Jim requested no services, but in his honor a donation to the Franz Cancer Center in Portland or the American Cancer Society.
Columbia Gorge News, Jan. 14, 2026
To plant a tree in memory of Jim Williford as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.