John A. Billis

John Billis, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully surrounded by his family on January 26, 2024, shortly after celebrating his 80th birthday.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, to Andrew and Catherine (Appelhans) Billis on January 17, 1944, John graduated from Macomber High School and the University of Toledo, where he achieved two degrees: a degree in Public Service Technology (1971) and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (1975).

A member of the Toledo Police Department for more than 33 years, John proudly served our community as a member of the Selective Enforcement Unit, a pilot for the Metro Drug Unit, and a Commercial Enforcement officer for heavy vehicles through the Traffic Bureau. John’s major career highlights include completing training with the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs (1972) and introducing air surveillance to Greater Lucas County.

Service, in both the public and private sectors, was at the core of Johns being and marked his entire life. A member of Sylvania City Council for 12 years, John also led fund-raising efforts for The National Exchange Club as Chairman of the Greater Sylvania Golf Tournament for child abuse prevention. He helped introduce soccer to the community by recruiting hockey players from Tam O’ Shanter and organizing the area’s first travel soccer team, which laid the groundwork for the Pacesetter soccer program and Pacesetter Park.

A longtime member of Highland Meadows Golf Club and an avid trap shooter, John won second place in the 1997 National Trapshooting Tournament. He enjoyed travel, especially annual trips to Ft. Myers Beach, FL, with family and friends. Led by his strong desire to help others, John lived a life that was family centered and selfless, and he will be remembered by all who knew him for his unwavering support for those he held in his heart.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Jan Robison Billis; brother, Bob (Viki); daughter, Melissa Billis, and sons, Todd (Heather) Billis and Dan (Jennifer) Hammill; grandchildren, Joshua, Brandon, Bailey, Bobby, Catherine, Georgia, and Stella; nephew, Andy Billis; and sister-in-law, Lin Reed. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Suzette Marie.

A visitation will be held at Walker Funeral home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. on Wednesday, January 31st between 4:00 – 7:00pm. A Funeral Service will follow on Thursday at 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Sylvania Community Services Center, 4747 Holland Sylvania Rd., Sylvania, OH 43560, in John’s honor.