James Willard Killian was born in Fort Payne, Alabama, on April 24, 1950, the fifth of six children to Willard Edgar and Ruth Jennings Killian.  He spent his life in Fort Payne and Lake City.  In high school, he played on the 1967 state-champion Tiger football team.

Jimmy married his high school sweetheart, Janie Crawford, on September 15, 1973.  He is survived by his wife; two sons, Benjamin Jacob (Donna) and Matthew James (Jodi); one grandson; five step-grandchildren; and 8 step-great-grandchildren.

He transcended this mortal plane on January 5th, having lived his life in the fullest realization of his own emotions and kindness and leaving his immutable mark on this world through his family and his actions.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake City with Rev. Kenneth Goodrich, pastor, officiating.  Interment will follow at the church columbarium. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches at: https://www.youthranches.org/index.php/ways-to-give/online-donation.  Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City.  386-752-1954  Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com