James C. West Sr.

James C. West, Sr passed away on October 19, 2025 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on March 3, 1939 in Muncie IN. He was the son of Genevie Brownewell and Hugh T. Shannon. He was adopted by Arthur and Louise West in 1940. He married Evelyn "Kay" West on November 23, 1966.
Jim was a jack of all trades including, independent Watkins representative, restaurant manager, a musician and Meadow Gold ice cream representative. He was an avid Cubs fan, unless you ask Kay, then he was an avid Cardinals fan. He loved gardening, painting and fishing. He enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher and leading the church choir. Most of all, he put his family first and loved his church family at Trinity Church of the Nazarene.
He was preceded in death by both sets of parents, several family members and friends. He truly missed Sonny Cox and Bill Wilson, his best friends, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn "Kay" West, seven children, David (Diana) Grimes, Michael (Barbara) West, Rebecca (Doug) Millburg, Regina (Sean) Thomas, James West, Jr., John (Yvette) West, Rhonda (Terry) Mitro and two fur babies, Baby and Lollipop. He was blessed with a large family, including 7 children, 27 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Celebration services will be held at Ellinger Kunz Funeral Home, 530 North 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62702. Viewing will be on October 27, 2025 from 9am-10am followed by the service starting at 10am. The family welcomes any donations to offset the funeral expenses.
Funeral Services Monday October 27, 2025
Visitation:9:00am-10:00am
Service:10:00am-11:00am
Ellinger Kunz Funeral Home
530 North 5th Street
Springfield,IL 62702
Interment
Private