James Whitis II

James Willard Whitis II, 63, of Beardstown, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

He was born March 5, 1961, in Beardstown, the son of James Willard and Joan Self Whitis Maltby.

He is survived by his caregiver/granddaughter, Hailey Whitis of Beardstown; the mother of his two sons Denise Rogers; James R. "JR" Whitis of Beardstown and Jason R. Whitis (wife Sara) of Rushville; three daughters Sara Maltby of Bloomington, Leasa Jo Whitis of Decatur, and Jami Freeman (husband Jesse) of Georgia; 12 grandchildren; three sisters Cleta Lovekamp of Springfield, Paula (Ned) Vaughn of Belleville, and Carla Kruthoff (husband Dale) of Beardstown; two brothers David Whitis (wife Phyllis) of Tennessee and James Douglas Whitis of Granite City; many friends including Tommy Baker, Frank Baker, Kelly Allen and Brandon Lyles; his cat Joe Blue; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his best friends Frank Lowe and Eric Trone, and countless other friends.

James attended Beardstown Schools. He was self-employed and a jack-of-all-trades. His quote is, "I lived how I wanted:" He mastered the skills of farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, drinking beer, and selling on eBay. Spending time with friends was his favorite pastime.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and private family services will be held at a later date. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Colwell Memorial Home to assist with final expenses. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.