David James Jr.

URBANA - David F. James Jr., 98, of Savoy, formerly of Urbana, passed away Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

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 on Aug. 22, 1945, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 12, 1998. He married Betty Coon on June 10, 2000, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 9, 2024. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert James.

David is survived by two sons, Jeff James of Havana, Fla., and Scott (Tina) James of Rantoul; a daughter, Cindy Williams of Urbana; a grandson, Joshua James; three stepchildren, Marvin Coon of Clearwater, Fla., Bonnie (Ervin) Kumm of Champaign and Susan (Rick) Wedig of St. Joseph; four stepgrandchildren, Jennifer Gussman, Nic Wedig, Ryan Wedig and Karen Turnbough; and five step-great-grandchildren.

David served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific theater. After the war, he worked at Inskip Co., had his own heating company, 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 his 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, 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 held at 10 a.m., with a celebration of life service at 11 a.m., on Monday, Aug. 18, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. Pastor Linda Vonck will officiate. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.