Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1929
DIED
2022
James Haskell Obituary
Born: November 26, 1929
Died: June 8, 2022
James Palmer Haskell passed from this life on June 8, 2022. He was born on November 26, 1929 in Sterling, Illinois. He was the son of James and Grace (Palmer) Haskell.
Jim attended Sterling schools, graduating from Sterling Township High School with the class of 1947. After high school, he enrolled in Chillicothe Business College to study accounting. From 1948 through 1949, he served in the US Air Force, followed by 5 years in the Air Force Reserves. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Carmen Grewe, and began his career in the family business, Haskell's Gifts and Office Supply Store. In the early '70s, with two daughters, Faythe and Diana, involved in pursuing their
educations, his wife Carmen left her teaching career to join him in the management of the family business. After many years in retail sales, they sold the business in 1996.
Some favorite memories from Jim: Jim and his dad saw Babe Ruth hit a home run around 1933-1934 in Chicago, got a ride in a Ford Tri Motor airplane (had wicker seats), drove to Mexico City in a 1938 Buick (no interstate highways), earned a pilots license in 1979, met Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy movie fame when with his cousin collecting on his paper route in California. He was a charter member and served as president of Sterling noon Rotary Club, as well as the YMCA. Carmen and Jim toured much of the USA with the kids and later just the two of them in several types of recreational vehicles.
He is survived by his beloved and loving wife Carmen; his two daughters, Faythe Freese and Diana Zimmerman and their husbands, Jerry Freese and John Zimmerman; plus three nephews (Kevin, Kent and Rick) and one niece (Kathleen).
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ellen Zigler,
brother-in-law, Gerald Zigler, and a stillborn sister, Mary.
Arrangements are by McDonald Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date. A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm.
Donations may be made in Jim's memory to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Haskell
3 Entries
Todd bass
October 2, 2022
Jim you will be missed in my memories you where a great inspiration in my life. I´m sorry for your loss Carmen
Christi Morgan
June 11, 2022
Carmen & Family,
You have my deepest condolences in your loss. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Richard Chinn
June 11, 2022
Deepest condolences to the Haskell-Zigler clan. I recall meeting Uncle Jim in Sterling in 1974 when I was 13, but nothing since then. The attached photo was an extended family reunion in 1981, probably in Sterling. I was not there, but my parents (Bill & Jackie Chinn), Uncle Bob Chinn and brother Doug are in the photo. I think Jim is the man at far right, although my memory of him is a little sketchy 48 years later. About half the people pictured are gone now, and the other half have grown up or grown old. Jackie is in the front row, looking at the child held by Kathleen(?). Bill is behind her right shoulder, left of Rick. Bob is the mustachioed man in front in brown pant and tie. Doug is between Bob and Kathleen. Bill and Bob were first cousins of Jim and Ellen. I recognize Wid, Kevin, Ellen and Jim Sr. on the left end, but not much of anyone else. If anyone can identify the entire cast, please send it to me or Kevin. Kevin knows where to find me.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in James Haskell's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for James Haskell
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Haskell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
