Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Killam Obituary
Jacksonville - Robert D. "Rob" Killam, 71, of Jacksonville, died Monday, October 21, 2024, at The Grove Health and Rehab in Jacksonville.
He was born March 25, 1953, in Jacksonville, the son of John Alfred and Helen (Cox) Killam. He married Zuzana L. Jackevicius on August 22, 1998, and they divorced in 2016. From that union was born one son, John Paul Killam, and he survives in Jacksonville.
He is also survived by his fiancé, Sally Bresnahan of New Berlin; and one sister, Lenore Killam of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James and John Paul Killam; and his aunt and uncle, Angie and Dean Guthrie, to whom he was very close.
Rob was best known for his deep love of music. He was a prolific and talented bassist. He played innumerable gigs over his 50+ year career. He was well known for his role in The New Goats ensemble, the Hot Town Trio, and his own Rob Killam Quartet, among many other groups and combos. He toured with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra several times, and played at the Lucerne, Switzerland Blues Festival as part of the band for blues legend Barbra Karr. If you needed live jazz in central Illinois, Rob was your man. He was also an avid angler, hunter, and marksman.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 12:00 to 1:00 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to ALS Foundation, Quail and Pheasants Unlimited or P.A.W.S. Condolences may be sent online at www.airsman-hires.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Killam
2 Entries
James E Fletcher
November 4, 2024
Find memories of our brief time playing together. I was hoping to work with you again.
Fare the well on thy trip through the infinite.
Karla Cannon
October 26, 2024
I'm very sorry for your loss. Rob was a very nice man, easy to work with, easy to talk with, and was very good in any band he played in. I KNOW he will be greatly missed!! Condolences and prayers for the entire family, close friends, etc.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Killam's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Killam
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 moreWays to honor Robert Killam's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
