James Whitesell

WASHBURN - James Lawrence Whitesell, 77, of Washburn, Illinois, died on Saturday, March 24, 2024, at his home, surrounded by those he loved.

Jim lived in Henry, with his wife, Madena (Dena), from 1977 to 1996, after which they lost their house to a fire. They moved to Lake Thunderbird, Putnam, living there for 8 years, and then to rural Washburn, an area they have both loved for the past 20 years.

Jim was born on Nov. 2, 1946, in Worthington, PA, to Katherine and Edwin Bowser, adopted by Sam Whitesell, and later raised by Katherine’s 3rd husband, Raymond Hicks, whom he considered to be his father.

He was an Operating Engineer with Peoria Local 649, getting his 50 year pin in May of 2023. He retired Jan. 1, 2011. He was active with the Henry Cub Scouts when his boys were young and served with the Civil Defense in Henry in its early years.

He loved to make handcrafted knives, thus getting his pinned name, “James of Henry,” and built and worked on clocks. He loved to tinker and had a world of knowledge that he loved to share. He is best remembered for his work in origami. Every waitress he ever encountered received a piece of art made from a dollar bill.

Jim served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War (1964-1967). He would be the first to tell you he was PROUD to serve his country.

Jim is survived by his wife, Madena (Dena) Thomason Grant Whitesell; 3 children, Christopher Lee Grant, Delmar Robert Grant and Jennifer Madena Whitesell; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; several nephews; and one niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Jim’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home in Henry, with Military Honors to follow at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henry American Legion.

Online condolences may be made at www. calvertmemorial.com.