James Lee Hootman

James Lee Hootman 90, of Cuba, passed away at 10:55 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born October 26, 1934 in Kingston Mines, IL to Jes and Melba Hoootman.

He married Irmalee Barnes, his "tweety," July 5, 1953. She was the absolute love of his life, and preceded him in death February 22, 2019. Also preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Bill Hootman. Jim is survived by two children, Debbie (Jeff) Raymond of Cuba, IL, his son Tim (Annabel) Hootman of Delta Junction, Alaska; four grandchildren, Crystal (Matt) Horton, T.J. (Kendra) Hootman, Kendra (Scott) Raymond, Abigail (Nick) Hootman; one great-granddaughter Makenzie Horton; and one sister, Becky Christian.

Jim was a long-time member of the Cuba Christian Church, and a lifelong farmer in rural Cuba. He loved his farm, his Allis Chalmers tractors, and referred to his land as "God's country." In recent years he took great pride in his little New Holland tractor he named "The Brute."

Jim proudly served his country in both the Navy and the Army, and spent over 2 years deployed in Germany. He worked for 37 years at Keystone Steel and Wire while farming and raising livestock. He loved talking to and being with people, and enjoyed starting up a conversation with anyone around him.

He didn't know a stranger! Jim and Irma liked to entertain and host people at their home, and they never shied away from a good dance or a card game!

Jim was a man of his word, a hardworking man with a hand shake that really meant something. Even as he aged and faced many different health problems, he kept a positive attitude and tried to lift up those around him. He worked hard to provide a great life for the family he cherished so much, and he loved each and every one of them. He often said, if you've got your family, you've got everything!

Because of his faith in Jesus Christ, he has been welcomed home to God's country, reunited with Irmie, where they can dance together again in the fields of heaven.

Graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Providence Chapel Cemetery in rural Farmington, IL. Rev. Mike Arnett will officiate. Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the Canton VFW. Military rites will be accorded at the Canton VFW at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to the Cuba Christian Church. To view James' DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com