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