Honoring James H. Wills
July 30, 2026 | Carole Clark Isakson
Barna, Guzy & Steffen is sad to announce the passing of former MTA board member and highly respected transportation attorney James H. Wills on July 23, 2026. For more than 45 years, Jim practiced exclusively in the areas of transportation, taxation, and corporate law, most recently with the law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen Ltd. Prior to entering private practice Jim worked in management of and as general counsel for two major trucking companies. Jim was a CPA, chemist and attorney admitted to the patent bar. Not that he ever bragged about any of that, that wasn’t his style. Jim will be remembered not only for his brilliance, but for his kindness, sense of adventure, and love for his family.
Jim and his wife Peggy are parents to two adult daughters and have a son-in-law and four grand kids of all ages. Jim was a hardworking and devoted attorney who rarely slowed down. When he did take time away from work, he found great enjoyment in golfing, fishing, hunting, skiing, traveling and competing in dog shows. Whether outdoors enjoying nature or spending time with family, Jim appreciated life’s simple pleasures.
While Jim retired from Barna, Guzy & Steffen Ltd last year, and from the practice of law, his influence on the transportation industry (and all those lucky enough to know him) remains. He served for more than 20 years on the Board of Directors for the MTA and received the coveted Minnesota Trucking Association Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Truckload Carrier Association and the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association. Jim was a frequent author and speaker on various transportation and/or business-related topics, especially regarding the independent contractor issues for the American Trucking Association, the Minnesota Trucking Association, the Truckload Carriers Association, the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association, the Independent Contractor Division of the Truckload Carriers Association, and the Minnesota Builders Association.
As brilliant as he was, Jim will best be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, constant smile, kindness and boundless energy. We are all lucky to have known him.