James “Jamie” Willrett, 63, Malta, Ill., passed away suddenly May 3, 2024, after a cancer diagnosis. Jamie was born in DeKalb, May 14, 1960, to Bev and Jim Willrett. After graduating from Malta High School, he attended the University of Illinois where he was house president of the Alpha Gama Rho fraternity chapter and graduated with a degree in agricultural economics. Jamie returned to J. Willrett Farms as the fifth generation, helping his father, Jim, and partner Don Willrett. As Jim took a step back, Jamie took over, putting his own stamp on the operation, adding cattle feeding capacity and cropland. In 1996, along with Larson Farms, Jamie and wife Larisa began a feedlot ultrasound business. After his parents’ death, Larisa and Jamie became sole partners in the operation.

To Jamie, information was the key to success, and he was always eager to learn about the industry he loved. Jamie traveled throughout the U.S. and internationally with his involvement in the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program and the National Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Jamie’s talent, steadfast optimism and affinity for the business of feeding cattle helped J. Willrett Farms evolve into the diversified farming and cattle feeding operation it is today.

Jamie was a devoted husband and father and fiercely loyal friend. Through their involvement in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Jamie met Larisa in 1993, and they were married in September 1994. Larisa and their children – Justis, Olivia and Sawyer – were everything to him, and he was always available for coaching, calm guidance and thoughtful perspective. Jamie always had time for his children, whether it was practicing and coaching sports, helping with 4-H projects or even attending the occasional horse show. He supported each of his children’s interests and, in turn, included them in his passion for agriculture. Almost from birth, Jamie involved his children in day-to-day farm operations and inspired each of his children’s unique passion for agriculture, family and community over the years. He was close with his sisters, Jacque and Jodi, who both live less than a mile away.

Although he considered farming both his work and hobby, he also greatly enjoyed coyote hunting with his Malta crew in the winters, goose and duck hunting, fishing in Canada and gardening in the summer. He was a true outdoorsman.  

Always ready with a quick smile, a chuckle and a witty comeback, he was respected by those he interacted with in his community and beyond. Like his father, Jamie saw the importance of supporting his community and serving in leadership roles. In addition to his involvement in the Malta United Methodist Church throughout his life, he was a Malta Township Board Trustee, a member of the DeKalb FFA Alumni Committee and the DeKalb County Regional School Board, and served on the Resource Bank Board until his death.

Jamie met Larisa while he was president of the Illinois Beef Association (IBA). His service to the beef industry was immeasurable. He was on an advisory board that crafted the Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act in 1996, served on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Board, was chairman of the NCBA International Markets Committee; was CattleFax president; and most recently was serving on the U.S. CattleTrace Board. He was named a Master Farmer in 2009 and received the IBA Farm Family of the Year Award in 2022.

In every sense possible, Jamie was an honorable man.

Jamie is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Larisa, their children – Justis (Danielle Neisendorf), Olivia and Sawyer – and his sisters Jodi (Ken) Slade and Jacque (Brian) Fucilla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Bev Willrett.

A visitation will be held on Friday May 10, 2024 from 3pm until 7pm at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S 4th St, DeKalb, IL 60115. Family and friends will gather on Saturday May 11, 2024 for a 1pm Memorial Service at, First United Methodist Church of DeKalb. 2501 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Willrett Family sent to Anderson Funeral Home, PO Box 605, DeKalb, IL 60115.