James V. Letcher

James V. Letcher, age 72, of Albany, Illinois, formerly of Savanna, Illinois, died on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Big Meadows Nursing Home, Savanna. A visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 25, 2018 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 26, 2018 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson. Burial with military rites will take place in Spring Lake Cemetery, rural Savanna. A memorial fund has been established in James’ memory.

James was born on January 6, 1946, the son of Ben and Jeannette (Smith) Letcher in Morrison, Illinois. He attended Thomson High School and was later drafted into the United States Air Force in 1967, serving at Lackland Air Force Base. James married Cathleen E. Davenport on July 30, 1971 in Savanna. Cathleen died on November 22, 2007 in Savanna.

James worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Savanna and for JT Cullen Company in Fulton, Illinois. He later worked at the Rock Island Arsenal, retiring in 2010. James was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. James enjoyed bowling, puzzles and tinkering around the house. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

James will be dearly missed by one son, Jeremy (Ariann) Letcher of Clinton, Iowa; three daughters, Rebecca (Tony) Simmons of Mills, Wyoming, Jenny (Timothy) Blaine of Clinton, Iowa and Amy Letcher of Erie, Illinois; twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren; one brother, John (Kay) Letcher of Thomson, Illinois.

James was preceded in death by both parents; his wife, Cathleen; two brothers, Donald “Dutch” Letcher and David Letcher; and one sister, Dorothy Vanover.