The Willis River is a tributary of the James River in central Virginia in the United States. Via the James River, it is part of the watershed of Chesapeake Bay. According to the Geographic Names Information System, the Willis River has also been known as "Willis's River" and as "Willises River". Course The Willis River rises in southern Buckingham County and initially flows eastwardly into Cumberland County, where it turns north-northeastwardly for the remainder of its course. It flows into the James River in northern Cumberland County, about southeast of Columbia. See also List of Virginia rivers References DeLorme (2005). Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer. Yarmouth, Maine: DeLorme. Rivers of Virginia Tributaries of the James River Rivers of Buckingham County, Virginia Rivers of Cumberland County, Virginia