James Billings

James Franklin Billings, age 66, passed away at his home in Ontario, Oregon on July 2, 2024. Jim was born in Naples, Italy while his Father Larry was stationed there with the United States Navy. Upon the family’s return to the United States, the family grew to include his sister Georgia and his brother Richard. The family lived in Michigan but spent most of the children’s youth in California. Jim excelled as an athlete playing football and was a member of his school’s cross-country track team. He spent much of his spare time hiking and camping throughout California. He also assisted his Father Larry with his landscaping and nursery business, becoming skilled in landscaping design and gardening. He graduated from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, California in June 1976.

In November 1979 he entered Active Duty Service in the United States Air Force. He went on to serve as an Entomology Specialist at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan; Altus AFB in Oklahoma; and Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas. During his tour of duty in Altus, Oklahoma he met and married Janna Felts and became Stepfather to her two sons William Felts and Alvin Felts. His daughter Jessica Billings was born while he was stationed at Sheppard AFB. During his time in service, Jim earned his qualification as a USAF Master Instructor and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. He also completed an Associate of Science Degree. In April 1988 Jim Billings concluded nine years of honorable and faithful service to his country.

Jim then began his career with Terminix International leading in senior management positions and as a Technical Specialist once he became a Board-Certified Entomologist. He also facilitated numerous instructional and technical training courses in entomology and pest control during his career with Terminix. In 2012, Jim transitioned to Massey Services where he continued to utilize his extensive knowledge in Entomology to provide pest control services to the greater Fort Worth, Texas area.

Jim was an avid golfer who also had a deep love and appreciation for music, reading, and the arts. In 2016, Jim moved to Idaho and Oregon thereafter as his health began to fail. Jim continued to pursue his hobbies and joys in life along with utilizing his talents where possible. Jim was intelligent, articulate, witty, and giving. He was magnetic, thoughtful,

and passionate making him an excellent instructor and conversationalist. He will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones.

In remembrance of Jim’s compassion towards animals and desire to help them find loving homes, you may donate to Simply Cats in Garden City, Idaho. Simply Cats is a no-kill feline adoption center committed to saving cats from suffering and promoting the highest standards of care.

He is survived by his daughter Jessica, stepsons William and Alvin, grandchildren Jonah, Noah, Janna, and Dani, sister Georgia, brother Richard, niece Erin, and nephew Vincent.

He was predeceased by Father Larry Billings, Mother Rochele Billings, and wife Janna Billings.

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