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PEORIA - James E. Hightower Sr., 57, of Peoria passed away at 9:54 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
He was married to the late Rhonda Parker-Hightower. She preceded him in death. He was born on July 18, 1957, in Peoria to the late Robert and Claudia (Polk) Hightower.
James loved to spend time with his family and friends. He enjoyed laughing, telling jokes and giving family members nicknames.
James was a cook at Courtyard Estates in Peoria for many years.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his children: one son, James Hightower Jr., and three daughters, LaTosha, Bonita and Sharon Webster; three stepchildren, Edward (Emma) Parker, Martell Webster and Ghia Parker, all of Peoria; five brothers, Robert (Michelle) Hightower Jr. of Montgomery, Texas, and Gregory Hightower, Cary (Alicia) Hightower, Kermit Moore and Sherron Moore, all of Peoria; two sisters, LaFelda Hightower and Chataqua Hightower, both of Peoria; 29 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who adored him and will miss him dearly.
James was preceded in death by his wife; one daughter, Sharonda Webster; stepson, Vencent Alexander; one sister; and two grandchildren.
A home-going celebration will be at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 14, 2015, at T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel, with visitation commencing one hour prior at 10 a.m. The Rev. Paul Hightower will officiate. James' interment will be private.
Arrangements were made especially for James' family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel.
Online condolences or words of encouragement can be made at www.twparkschapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
RIP and in heaven James! My condolences to the Hightower family!
Alshawn Edwards-Perkins
January 14, 2015
May God rest you now, James. I am praying for our family as we send one of our own home to be with God. I love you cousin, you will be truly missed and you will forever be in our hearts and your spirit will live on in our lives.
Debbie Gillespie
January 14, 2015
Sorry for your loss praying for the Hightower family and my nieces and nephew keep your head up love u all
Annie Hutcherson
January 14, 2015
Rest in peace Mr Hightower. It was an honor to meet you. :)
Waketer Sr. Mitchell
January 14, 2015
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
dorotha williams
January 13, 2015
Rest I heaven BIG CUZ and KEEP THEM ANGELS LAUGHING!!!WE LOVE AND MISS YOU!!!
MOOKIE, TOY, DENNQUIESE HIGHTOWER
January 13, 2015
My prayers goes out to you. James was a good man. Remember the good memories his laughter and funny stories he would tell you. HE is gone but never forgotten.
Robert &Cathy Wright
January 13, 2015
May God Bless You, You are going to be missed terribly and I love you cuz. Bernice Young
January 13, 2015
Condolences to the Hightower Family.
Cheryll Lamon Gordon
January 13, 2015
Sorry for your loss, I knew James when he worked at Manor Care. A Great man and hard worker.
Kathy Davis
January 13, 2015
Keeping the family in Prayer
January 13, 2015
Dad I'm going to really miss you. Love you. Squash
Latosha Webster
January 13, 2015
Blessings & comfort to your family, along with my sympathy.
Vickie Kingcade-King
January 13, 2015
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