James Rayburn

MAHOMET - James Michael Rayburn, 74, was a gift right from the start, a Christmas baby - born on Dec. 25, 1950, in Urbana, to John and Phyllis Rayburn.

Jimmy was raised alongside his brother, Charles "Chuck" Rayburn, and sister, Luanne (Rayburn) Schroeder in Mahomet. He graduated from Mahomet-Seymour High School in 1969. As a senior, he was named the first ever "Athlete of the Year," as a Bulldog football, basketball and golf player.

"Airborne" Rayburn was a college golfer and active member of the Pike fraternity at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in education in 1975. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment at UT Martin though was meeting his bride and love of his life, Jackie Hollie. They wed on May 3, 1975, and moved back to Mahomet to raise their three daughters. The "five Js" moved into Jim's childhood home in the heart of town.

Jimbo's love of cars came honest – his dad's family business was University Ford in Champaign. Though his job titles and companies changed over the years, cars were always at the heart of his work. He continued to drive for Serra and Autotown in retirement and remained a beloved member of the automotive community. He never missed an opportunity to get somewhere fast and in style and has a speeding ticket record to prove it.

Jim was the ultimate "girl dad." He taught his girls how to change a tire, make a good impression with a clean car and well-mowed lawn, and to work harder than everyone else on the field/court. If you were to ask Jim what he was most proud of in life, he would tell you all about his girls and his nine grandkids. Adam, Luke, Eli and Henry Dyer, Chloe, Ryan and Paige Pruitt, and Knox and Hollie Soderlind lit up his life. They sure did love their Pops right back!

Jim's ornery grin and quick wit charmed everyone. He always shared a friendly hello from his front porch, usually with his dog, Scout, barking her own greeting. He was loved by his treasured hometown, and he loved the community just as fiercely. He spent most of his days completing honey-do lists from Jackie, cheering at Bulldog events, watching his favorite teams (Cubbies, Illini, Army and Bears), mowing perfectly straight lines in his yard (known as "Jimbo Field" to his grandkids), golfing daily with his best friends, playing racquetball with his college brothers, playing pickleball with Jen, talking sports over cold beers with his sons-in-law, grilling, cycling and accompanying his daughters with each and every car purchase throughout their lives. Whether he was home by his firepit, boating with friends or sitting in his beach chair at Island House in Casey Key, a perfect evening for Jimbo concluded with a sunset cigar and glass of bourbon.

Jim died in his home on Monday (Aug. 11, 2025).

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and wife of over 47 years, Jackie.

He is survived by his sister, Luanne (husband Andy) Schroeder (of Champaign); daughters, Jamie (Andy) Pruitt, Jessica (Kevin) Dyer and Jennifer (Mike) Soderlind; nine grandchildren (all of Mahomet); his dear friend, Lisa Beard (of Paris, Tenn.), the best buddies anyone could ask for; and his loyal four-legged companion, Scout.

To celebrate Jim's life and legacy, please join us for an open house at the Lake of the Woods (LOW) Golf Course Clubhouse from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. A block of tee times has been reserved from 10 a.m. to noon that day for anyone wishing to play nine holes "fore" Jimbo at his favorite course. Please call the LOW Pro Shop (217-586-2183) to secure a tee time.

Our eagle has landed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mahomet-Seymour Athletic Boosters in Jim's name (mahomet.revtrak.net/sb/#/v/mshs-sports-boosters-donation) or go play a round of golf at Lake of the Woods (see Pro Shop phone number above).

Condolences may be offered at owensfuneralhomes.com.