On June 23, 2015 at approximately 1130 p.m. Elgin Police Officer James Willson was riding his personal motorcycle in unincorporated DeKalb County. While traveling on Five Points Road near Old State Street, Jim had a collision with a deer in the roadway. Immediately following this crash Jim succumbed to heart failure and passed away.
Jim began his career with the Elgin Police Department 27 years ago on January 25, 1988. During his watch, Jim received two Department Unit Citations and one Distinguished Service/Class 1 award. Prior to joining the Elgin Police he served in the United States Army from August of 1983 through August of 1985. The men and women of the police department, and the City of Elgin, will miss Jim more than simple words can express. His compassion, humor, professionalism, and dedication have touched hundreds of people over the years and will always be remembered.
Services will be held this Saturday, June 27, 2015 at the Wait-Ross-Allanson Funeral Home, 51 Center Street, Elgin. Visitation for the public will be from 3:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be held from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m.