Search by Name

James ESAREY Obituary

James Gibson Esarey

WHITE HALL - James Gibson Esarey, 80, of White Hall, died Saturday, March 30, 2013, at his residence.

James was born on March 13, 1933, in Mt. Carmel, IL. He is the son of Eugene Rhinehart Esarey and Carrie Gibson Esarey. James married Emily Louise Beggs on June 26, 1955, in Oak Park, IL.

James graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1951 and attended University of Illinois in Champaign, IL, from 1951 to 1955, earning his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education. During that time, he served one year as President of Wesmen, a Methodist men's organization. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957 aboard the USS Onslow, a seaplane tender stationed in Hong Kong Harbor. He was employed by Doane Agriculture from 1957-59.

In 1959, James and Emily settled in Greene County, south of White Hall, where he and Emily began managing Gregory Farm. He managed grain and livestock production while raising a family.

Jim was involved with several community organizations over the next several years, to include, Farm Bureau, White Hall Lions, White Hall United Methodist Church, Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association. Jim was also an active businessman of the area. He owned and operated Esarey Café, Esarey Farms, Hilltop Sheltered Care Home, Greene County Sanitation and Apple Creek Prairie Antiques.

Most recently, many people will remember Jim for his enthusiastic attendance at many auctions around the area. He was considered a local authority on White Hall pottery and enjoyed collecting many other types of antiques. He had a special interest in Indian artifacts, primitives and paperweights. As University of Illinois Alumni, Jim and Emily are both huge supporters of Illini activities. Hail to the Chief!

Although Jim enjoyed farming, antiques, Illini activities, and family history, he enjoyed people the most. He encouraged those around him to continually reach for new heights in their personal lives. It was his greatest joy to watch someone, whom he had nurtured, to achieve their goals.

Jim enjoyed a good debate as well -- no matter whether it was over eggs (Jim-style, of course!) at the North End Café or at the Carrollton Farmers Elevator (in White Hall). One could always count on his friendly smile to brighten any venue.

Jim was also a great supporter of his family and their activities. He was a familiar face at his grandchildrens' music and theater performances, football games and graduations. He was very proud to have been able to attend Bethany's theater activities at Western Illinois University-Macomb last fall, Zach's state football game (U of I-Champaign) and high school graduation last year (Chatham, IL), Greg's college graduation from Embry-Riddle in Arizona this past December, to give congratulations to Joshua on his promotion at Reynolds, Inc. (Jacksonville) and to Christopher for his graduation from helicopter flight school (Ft. Rucker – AL) this February.

Jim and Emily are also quite interested in family history on both sides of their family trees; passing on the legacies of family history was of great importance to him.

James was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Emily Beggs Esarey, of White Hall; four children: Jonathon Charles Esarey of Chicago, Le (Leonora) Esarey (partner, Butch Perry) of Riverton, Justus Gibson Esarey (Toni) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Laura Jane (Esarey) Dukett (Drew) of rural Roodhouse. Jim and Emily have five grandchildren: Bethany Dukett, Joshua Dukett, Christopher Dukett (Sonya), Greg Finn, and Zach Finn; three great-grandchildren: Ashely Wells, Christian Wells, and Haley Westermayer; and one great-great-grandchild, Isabella Marie Wells. He is also survived by three brothers: Kermit Esarey (Lee) of Arlington, Texas, Dwight Esarey of Fairfield, Illinois, and J. Clark Esarey (Carol) of Springfield, Illinois. Several nieces and nephews and cousins will miss him as well.

Visitation will take place at Christ United Methodist Church in White Hall, Illinois from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in White Hall. Pastors Sara and Robin Lyons will officiate. Internment will take place in the new addition of White Hall Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the White Hall Cemetery or the James G. Esarey Education Fund at Farmers State Bank in White Hall.

Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in White Hall is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Apr. 2, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James ESAREY

Not sure what to say?





Although it has been many years, I still remember visiting the farm with Leonora. Our family prayers are with you at this time. John 14:1-4

Bobby Henline

April 6, 2013

Emily and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember many times having 4H meetings or events at your farm. You were one of my leaders along with my mom and aunt. So many good memories there and Jim setting things up for the bonfires. You will be in our continued prayers.
Sincerely,
Sherri Myer & daughter

Sherri Myer

April 5, 2013

Jim was one of the good guys.Will miss him.Mary Catherine Esarey Vaughn

April 4, 2013

So sorry.everyone lost a greaT friend and person he was a great man.rip Jim

Paulette and john Adams

April 3, 2013

so sorry for your loss jim was a wonderful man he will be missed by many

rose lee

April 3, 2013

Sharon (Castleberry) Rice.

April 3, 2013

i am so sorry for your lost he was a good guy and well be verily missed green county lost a realy good guy and person at heart

rhonda mccaherty

April 3, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Jim was a great man and an even better friend. I am so sorry for your loss, Emily. You and your family are in my prayers. Lori McEvers

April 2, 2013

Sorry to hear about jim.We grew up together in Keensburg.Carrie and my father (Justus Gibson)were first cousins.RIP Jim.

will gibson

April 2, 2013

So sorry to hear about jim.







i am one of the gibson boys.We all grew up together in Keensburg.Kermit and i started to school together and was like a brother to me.Jim was a lot younger,but i remember him well.I saw him last at esarey reunion a couple of years ago.You tell Kermit,Clark,and Dwight that having my three brothers die,i know how sad it is to lose a brother.Rip jim.

Wilfred Gibson

April 2, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bob and Lois McDermand (MVMHC)

April 2, 2013

My thoughts & prayers are with your family. I am so sorry for your loss. With heartfelt sympathy, Kim Hayden - Springfield, IL

Kim Hayden

April 2, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers to Emily and family in their time of loss. David and Rita Roe

April 2, 2013

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My condolences to the family.

Carolyn Motley

April 2, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about Jim. Always at the Esarey reunions. He was my Dad, James Tadlock Esarey's cousin. Twighla Mae Esarey Russell..

April 1, 2013

I extend my deepest sympathy to Emily and the entire family. I had the honor of serving Jim those "extremely runny" eggs at the North End for many years and treasure the memories both he and Emily brought to my life as a young waitress. Jim had a great smile and always listened and treated me with respect. He even came to my rescue one time against a verbal bully. I am very grateful to have known him as a friend. May God give you all comfort in your time of grief.

Kim Isham-Carter

April 1, 2013

May God Bless You and Your family during your time of sorrow. We have great memories of Jim and Emily and all of their kids. Enjoyed hanging out at their house in our youth.
Dawn and Seth James

April 1, 2013

I am so sorry for the loss of Jim. He was a super nice and friendly person. He will be sadly missed by all.R.I.P. Jim!!!

Lorry Bills

April 1, 2013

Sorry For Your Loss. Jim will be greatly missed. God Bless

Bill Fowler

April 1, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to you Emily and your family, Jim will always have a special place in our hearts!!

Roger & Melissa Johnson

April 1, 2013

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Esarey family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jay and Brenda Early and family

April 1, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers to Emily and family in their time of loss. We have so many good memories of Greene County.

Sam and Sharon James

Sam and Sharon James

April 1, 2013

I am sorry to hear about Jim's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Starr Inman

April 1, 2013

bobby and i are so sorry to hear of jim's passing. we know he will be missed by many.you and your family are in our prayers.

April 1, 2013

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

Make a Donation
in James ESAREY's name

Memorial Events
for James ESAREY

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Airsman-Hires Funeral Home - White Hall

234 N. Main St., White Hall, IL 62092

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James ESAREY's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more