James E. Whitley

James E. Whitley, 86, of Roscoe, IL passed away peacefully at Medina Manor on October 29, 2024. James was born in Essex, MO, on September 24, 1938. James married Dorothy “Dee Dee” in Rockford on January 11, 1963. They were married 59 years after they met on a blind date.

James served in the United States Navy from March 18, 1958 until March 17, 1964; he was stationed in Italy and Key West, FL. He also spent July 3, 1962 until March 17, 1964, in the active reserve. He was employed by Barber Colman (Gleason) from 1963 to 2000 when he retired. He was an outside contractor for GE, doing deburring after his retirement for Gleason. In his free time, James enjoyed bowling, golfing, and woodworking.

James is survived by his children, Jim (Janet) Whitley, Jodi (Bob) Phillips, and Jennifer (Tom) Lewandowski; grandchildren, Ashley (Brett) Fanning, Bobby (Lindsay) Phillips, Brianna Henthorn, Brittany Hemerley, Zach Phillips, Josh Stook, Taylor Lewandowski and Tristan (Julia) Lewandowski; great–grandchildren, Aubrey and Noah Hemerly, Avery and Brooklyn Carter, and Wyatt Fanning; sister, Linda Garr; several nephews and nieces; his beloved dog and sidekick, Astin. Predeceased by his wife, Dorothy “Dee Dee” Whitley; sister, Martha Campbell; brothers-in-law, Don Campbell and Jim Garr; mother, Oma Pond.

The family especially thanks OSF Hospice, the nurses and CNA’s at Medina Manor, Dr. Sreenivasappa, and OSF Cancer Center.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main Street, Roscoe, IL 61073, at 7:00 PM, with a visitation starting at 5:00 PM until time of service. 

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