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Washington Community High School University of Illinois

James Portscheller Obituary

SPARLAND - James Ivan Portscheller, 63, of Sparland, Ill., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, at his home.

Jim was born Nov. 17, 1946, in Washington, Ill., to Elmer and Lorene (Kirby) Portscheller.

Jim is survived by his three children, Mike (and Stacey) Portscheller of Dunlap, Laura Portscheller of Peoria and Steven Portscheller of Peoria; one grandchild, Liam Ivan Portscheller, 4 months; five brothers, Ray (Regina) Portscheller of Albuquerque, N.M., Carl (Debbie) Portscheller of Santa Rosa, Calif., Bruce (Susan Yoder) Portscheller of East Peoria, Ill., Roger (Sue) Portscheller of Jacksonville, Fla., and Don Portscheller of East Peoria, Ill.; and two sisters, Lucy Portscheller of Petaluma, Calif., and Lynn O'Brien of Peoria, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arthur Portscheller of Petaluma, Calif., and Dave Portscheller of Wildwood, Mo.

Jim was a devoted father, who truly enjoyed his children in every stage of their lives. As adults, Jim became not only a father, but a trusted friend as well, and they cherished frequent road trips and Illini football games together.

The joy of his life was his grandson, Liam, with whom he'd spend hours walking around the house and sleeping on the couch together.

Jim was an avid motorcyclist, having ridden his motorcycle to both coasts, and had even spent time on a racetrack at Road America in Wisconsin.

Jim attended Washington Community High School and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in electrical engineering.

Early in his career, Jim worked for Martin Marietta Aerospace on a project for NASA designing the electrical backup system to deploy the solar panels on Skylab. Following that, Jim had a 39-year career at Caterpillar Inc. as a design engineer and played a key role in developing many patents. He was recognized as an inventor by authorities such as the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Jim volunteered for the Lacon Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity, and served 16 years on the Sparland School Board.

Using his interest and expertise in electrical engineering, Jim was a mentor in the FIRST Robotics Competition, a multinational event that teams professionals with young people to solve engineering design problems.

He was a frequent donor of blood and an avid proponent of apheresis donation of platelets. In remembrance of Jim, please donate blood.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington, Ill., with Father Eugene Radosevich officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, also at Mason-White Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to the American Red Cross at www.redcrossillinois.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Jan. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Portscheller

41 Entries

Debra Gilles

February 24, 2010

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Michael Ding

February 24, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. He was a really great guy and has helped my brother and I so much throughout the years.

Jim was an amazing mentor, co-worker, and friend. His smile always made me smile, no matter how stressed out I was.

Jim has always been there for all of us. He always took the time out of his busy schedule to help others. Jim set an extraordinary example for others to follow. I have learned so much from him. He will greatly be missed.

Tiffini Satterlee

February 1, 2010

Jim was an awesome friend, a great work mentor, and a fellow movie geek. I will miss his famous smile and impossibly upbeat attitude. Thanks for the bright spot, pal.

Darla Feeney

January 31, 2010

To Don and family,

We never know what life will bring us, so live each day as it's our last. Tell one another how much you love them. I know this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones. Keep him in your heart and your memories.

Giles Sorrells

January 30, 2010

To Jim's family:
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. We first worked together on a electronic project for gen set engines in 1973. He had design responsibility and I had test reaponsibility. Through the years our paths crossed several times. It was always a pleasure to work with.

Faye Bartelmay

January 29, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Lucille Probyn

January 29, 2010

To Mike Laura and Steven PLEASE accept my heartfelt sympathy's in the loss of your father. He was a good neighbor and did much for our school and community. I'm so sorry. Your Piano teacher and neighbor. Lucille Probyn

Wayne Lewandowski

January 29, 2010

To the Portscheller Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Jim!
The times that I met Jim and the conversations I've had with him have just been memorable. I could tell right off the start that Jim was a man of his character and stood by his family, a number one priority. He believed in hard work and perseverance and to heck with the petty things. The last conversation I had with him was at Josh's 21st birthday party. We had a great talk of his current duties at CAT, his travels and etc. Jim was genuinely concerned about the raising of my boys.
I have much respect for Jim!
Very Sorry for your Loss

January 29, 2010

I've known Donnie closely for 2yrs now. He's always talked highly of famiy & his children, especially his older brother Jim. Donnie looked to him as a role model. I remember Donnie telling me how much he always looked forward to the times Jim & him would go out Dancing, esp. helping Jim learn some Swing Dancing. The smile that Donnie always has, after meeting Jim myself, I now know where it came from... You all have my deepest sympathy. In my heart, thoughts, & prayers.

Sue

Shelley Holland

January 29, 2010

Mike, Stacey, Steve and Laura,

Jim was a wonderful man who's greatest pride was all of you. I do not ever recall a time that I saw him that he was not smiling. Always with a story to tell about the family. He was a wonderful brother, father, father in law to our daughter and especially a extremely proud grandfather to our Liam. He would look at Liam with such pride and love. All babies should be so lucky to have a grandpa like Jim. Jimmy and I will miss seeing him at all the family events at Mike and Stacey's. You know we are here for all of you. We're only a phone call away.

James and Shelley Holland

Anh and Jim Holeman

January 29, 2010

To all of Jim's family

We're so sorry to hear this sad news. Jim was more than a manager to both Anh and I. He was a mentor both at work and for life in general. He was very well respected by all who knew him. He was considered a friend by so many. His caring and giving character truely set him apart as someone very special. He had a positive and profound impact on the lives of so many...those who were lucky enough to have been able to call him a friend. We will miss him greatly.

HEATHER-JAMES WHITMORE

January 28, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Debra Kay Gilles

January 28, 2010

To all of the Portscheller Family:
My heartfelt sympathy and compassion to all of you.
Jim was a great person and humanitarian. Jim dated my sister "Jenny" for a while and that was how I came to know him.
He was such a compassionate and caring man.
God Bless all of you.
Take Care
Debra Kay Gilles

Jeff, Jo, Bryan, Michael, Dana and Valerie

January 28, 2010

Mike, Stacey, Liam and Family: We're so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your Father/Grandfather. We know he will be missed by many! You're in our thoughts and prayers.

BARRY KIRCHNER

January 28, 2010

I HAVE ONLY KNOW JIM FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WHILE AT PEARCE COMMUNITY CENTER. A FEW SHORTS WEEKS AGO WE HAD BREAKFAST AT THE TRACK INN. JIM ALWAYS HAD A SMILE & KIND WORDS AND DEEDS FOR OTHERS. HE WAS TAKEN WAY TO SOON & WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. MAY THE 'PEACE OF CHRIST' BE WITH JIM and FAMILY.

Larry Madden

January 28, 2010

To all the Portscheller Family
My deepest sympathy goes out to you. I played football, wrestled and a medlay relay with him back in High School. Will always remember his happy go lucky attitude, the big smile, and his personality. What a great person he was. Will miss him, God Bless

Cory Smith

January 28, 2010

You have my deepest sympathy. I knew Jim for quite a while I was in Laura's class. He was a great man with a smile on his face all the time. He was taken way too early. He will be deeply missed.

Jim and Jayne Winn

January 28, 2010

Mike,Steve and Laura,
Jim will always be remembered as a friend with a big heart, a gift of conversation and that big smile. May you be blessed with many fond memories and God bless.

Jim and Jayne Winn

January 28, 2010

Mike,Steve and Laura,
Jim will always be remembered as a friend with a big heart, a gift of conversation ,and that big smile! May you be blessed with fond memories and God Bless.

January 28, 2010

I am so sorry. This indeed untimely. Jim was always such a sweetheart. I think he was born with a smile on his face. I will miss him.
Mary Kearney Bishop

Bobbi Ordaz

January 28, 2010

I have known Jim for years. He nearly held my hand through the deaths of my nieces and my dear grandmother Mary last year. He always had a comforting word and a smile. I saw him at Pearce last week and told me what a blessing it was for my grandmother to go peacefully and he wished that for himself as well... WOW.. I can't believe he has his eternal peace so soon. He will be in my thoughts for the rest of my days.

Kathy and Dean Bade

January 28, 2010

To Jim's family,
You have our deepest sympathy. I knew Jim through the Lacon food pantry and he the truly a kind man and generous man.

January 28, 2010

Jim and I go back to the 60's. He and I wrestled each other in high school (Washington vs Morton); we crossed paths many times on the engineering campus at the U of I and we worked on many development projects together at CAT. He was a conscientous, hardworking and very likeable guy. My prayers go all of his family.
David Russell

Susie Maloney Papenhause

January 28, 2010

Bruce and Roger, I am so saddened and shocked at the news of Jim's passing. He was taken far too young and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. I used to run into him at work and he always had a smile on his face. He would fill me in on the latest Portscheller brothers' activities and udpate me on his kids, of whom he was so proud. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Kristi Oliver-Johnson

January 28, 2010

Lynn & Kirby,

I am so sorry for your loss. Though I only met Jim a few times, he was very kind. And I remember how close you were to your family. I wish I could be there for the services.
Miss you, and thinking of you.

Sue Durham

January 28, 2010

Just want to let you all know how sorry I am to hear of Jim's passing. From what I've read & heard, Jim was such a good person to all. I know he will be missed as a Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend...

Love,
Susie

Joe Venegas

January 28, 2010

Mike, Steve, and Laura:

I'd gotten to know Jim well over these last two years. He was my confidant at work and often shared long conversations that carried a varied scope. Everything from politics, to work, and lately Liam. We were constantly talking about bikes or other riding areas on the bluff that I had yet to explore. When I heard of his passing I was really in shock. Just, the Friday before we had decided it was time to restart our Wednesday "hump day celebration" at Rhodell's. He was a light in my day. I will greatly miss him.

As saddened and shocked as I am, I cannot begin to imagine how you feel. I can only offer my support, prayers, and friendship.

Your father had a knack for dealing with difficult situations in a positive way, and I remind myself of that during this time.

God Bless.

Kathy Knell

January 28, 2010

Laura, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. A donation has been made to the local Red Cross in memory of your Dad. My deepest sympathies to you.

Pat Kearney

January 28, 2010

I am very sorry to hear about Jim's death -- so sudden, and coming so soon on the heels of Dave's passing. This is a lot for his family to bear. Jim was always my most favorite cousin. He was handsome, funny, and always, always interesting. I loved his intensity, his winsome smile, and his "aw shucks" response to any compliment I gave. I also loved how he treated his family -- so caring, so loving, and so there for everyone. Oh Jim, I will miss you, and I am so sad for all who loved him so well.

John Richmond

January 28, 2010

To Laura,Mike,Steve and rest of family:
I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. Throughout my life Jim had always been so pleasant of a person to be around. I always enjoyed making him laugh with all of my goofy stories. Most importantly I always enjoyed seeing him out and about in the community rather it be Lacon, Sparland, Chilicothe, or Peoria he alway had that wonderful smile on his face that could never be duplicated by anyone else. He will be forever remembered in my heart and I am sure in the heart of anyone he personally touched. God Bless you Jim!!

Debbie & Jimmie Lewellyn

January 28, 2010

Lynn and Kirby,
I met Jim through the two of you and got to know him because of his involvement as a FIRST mentor. He truly inspired students. We had talked about how pleased he was that Jimmie was going to U of I in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.

Brenda Yocum

January 28, 2010

I want to send my condolences to your family. He will be missed by many.
I knew Jim from Grecian Garden's in Chillicothe. He was more than a customer he became a very dear friend to my husband & myself.Though his life was too short he lived life to the fullest. From braging about his family to being the best at his job or just mentoring some child that just wanted a pat on the back and told what a good job they had done. His love for his bikes was the best. He would email me little notes or pic's of his journeys. Being around his friends alway's put a smile on his face. We had gone to see a concert and we had the best time.
~ Jim was a great man ~

Kathy Ard

January 28, 2010

I just can't believe what I've read. Jim was a great friend to all. He loved all his children and family. We loved having Jim as part of our partying group. He loved to just live life to it's fullest. He was an awesome guy and will be missed by many.

Ron Worent

January 28, 2010

I worked for Jim at Caterpillar for more than 10 years. He was a joy to work for and with. He was more than a supervisor, he was a friend as well. He helped me select a college for my son. Jim will be greatly missed by many friends and coworkers.

Kathy Ard

January 28, 2010

Paul Dornberger

January 28, 2010

To Jim's family,

During the mid 1970's, Jim and I both spent a lot of time after normal Caterpillar working hours to complete projects that we had not been able to complete during the normal work day. From time-to-time, we would take a break and chat about a variety of subjects. As a result of these discussions, I came to know Jim as a dedicated and capable individual, who was always willing to provide assistance.

Later, I moved to Geneva, Switzerland. From time-to-time, our paths would cross again. This was normally via E-mail correspondence or a teleconference; however, we did have one occasion to make a customer visit together. It was always a pleasure to work with him.

I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you.

Ron Kirby

January 28, 2010

The Portscheller Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I will truely miss Jim at Kirby family reunions--he was always so friendly and easy to talk with. You have my deepeast sympathy.

Dave Marshall

January 28, 2010

I was very sad to hear of Jim's passing. I always respected Jim for his dedication to the schools of Sparland and Midland. He was a real force in the successful formation of the Midland School District.
In my work with Jim it was always very clear that the kids came first. This was true for the school district and also for his family. He cared enough to make the difficult choices and stand firm for what he believed.

Tanya Heinle

January 28, 2010

My condolences on the loss of your Father and Brother. I knew Jim first as a customer, then like many, as a good friend. He had a great passion for life in general and spoke of his children and their accomplishments with great pride. He was a man of integrity and a generous giver of his time and talents. God Bless!

January 28, 2010

Lynn and family,
I cannot tell you the shock of Jim's news to me. We just talked about doing another Habitat project together and going riding on the Harleys this spring. I truly enjoyed working with Jim for many years at Cat Electronics and he will be sorely missed by all of us. I hope we can build another Habitat house in Jim's memory as he was so involved in the last Cat Electronics house build. You could tell it just lit up his eyes knowing he was helping someone. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cathy Bendtsen

Cheryl Kinsinger

January 28, 2010

To Jim's Family,

I am in total shock about Jim's passing as I just recently had a conversation with him at Dave's services this month, and he seemed so fine. Just like Dave, he was such a kind, generous, and caring person. They both had such great parents! He gave me lots of moral support while I was going through the Cat employment testing (lots of tests) several years ago. And took time out of his busy work schedule to attend my retirement celebration. I did not know he was a blood donor, but I am not surprised one bit. A very fitting memorial designation for such a wonderful person. When I recently told him that we missed seeing him at our class reunion last September, he told me that he was so glad that he took the trip with his brothers instead of attending our class reunion as they were afraid it might be their last chance to do that. Sadly, those words now ring very true with his passing and the recent passing of Dave. My condolences to all of his siblings and his children. I know he thought the world of his kids. May his soul forever rest in peace.

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