David F. "Jr." James

David F. James, Jr 98 of Savoy, formerly of Urbana, passed away August 8, 2025 at Carle Hospital. David was born April 24, 1927 in St. Joseph Township, Champaign County, the son of David F. and Mildred Mae (Robbins), James Sr. He married Aleta Stark August 22, 1945 and she preceded him in death on October 12, 1998. He married Betty Coon on June 10, 2000 and she preceded him in death on October 9, 2024. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Robert James. David is survived by sons, Jeff James of Havana, FL, Scott (Tina) James of Rantoul, a daughter, Cindy Williams of Urbana, grandson, Joshua James, Stepchildren, Marvin Coon of Clear Water, FL, Bonnie Kumm (Ervin) of Champaign, Susan Wedig (Rick) of St. Joseph, step grandchildren, Jennifer Gussman, Nic Wedig, Ryan Wedig, Karen Turnbough and five step great grandchildren. David served in the Navy during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific. After the war, he worked at Inskip Co., had his own heating company, and then worked at Reliable Plumbing & Heating. He finished his career as a sheet metal worker at the University of Illinois in 1988. He was a lifelong member of Quest Church, a Community of Grace, previously Grace United Methodist Church, Urbana. David called square dances for 32 years across Illinois and locally for Boots & Bows square dance club in which he and his wife, Aleta made many friends. He loved music and attended dinner theaters and other music shows in the area. He enjoyed camping with friends in the earlier years and then wintering in Florida. He could fix anything and enjoyed doing just that! He was an avid Bears, Bulls, and of course, an Illini fan. Betty and David watched them all. He also liked his coffee group outings with friends at McDonald's. David loved his family dearly and would do anything for them. He loved spending time with all his family especially his grandson, Joshua. He enjoyed bringing flowers home weekly to his wife, Betty, and texting daily messages to all of his family. He cared deeply for all and was the best Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle. A Gathering of Friends and Family will be on Monday August 18 at 10:00 AM Monday with A Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM Monday, both at Renner-Wikoff-Chapel & Crematory. Pastor Linda Vonck will officiate. Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo, following the service. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David F. (Jr.) James, please visit our floral store.