JW Woodworks was founded in 1986, by Jim P. Willis. It started as a backyard business in a 10' x 14' shop with a table saw outside covered by a tarp. In April of that year James E. Willis went into business with his son Jim and expanded with a new building 30' x 50'.

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Soon it became a family business involving his mother Marlene and wife Debbie, and soon after three daughters April, Jesscia, and Lindsey. By 1992 Jim and Debbie were soul owners and purchased 5 acres of land on Hwy. 160 to relocate the business. The business continued to grow with the addition of two full time employees and dealers that were set up in Herrin, IL and St. Louis, MO. By 1993 we were producing around 125 kitchens a year.

 

In December of 1994 tragedy struck. Static electricity ignited three 55 gallon barrels of thinner on- fire in the finishing area. Jim, being in the building at the time suffered second and third degree burns over 39% of his body. The business was a total loss, but with the support of family and blessings from God, cabinets were being built again by July.

 

In 1996 close to 200 kitchens were being produced with eight full time employees. In September of 1996 lightning struck the main building and over 90% was burned. By February it was only a memory and God had given us more work than we knew what to do with. By 1997 we added another building and over 75% of our jobs were being shipped out of Missouri. In 2005 we added another large building with an attached finishing area and large showroom. At this time we currently employ around 25 full time employees and have 14 dealers in and out-of-state. In 2016 we produced about 600 kitchens and were shipping about 75% out of our county. God has truly blessed our family.