James “Jim” E. White, 86, of Burlington, died at 5:30 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at his home.
Born September 3, 1928, in Media, IL, he was the son of Eldon “Nip” and Leah Bricker White. On July 3, 1947, he married Charlotte Opie with whom he had one child, Kalene in 1950. They later divorced in 1955. In 1955 he married Joan Cook with whom he had two children, Gwen and Julia. They later divorced in the 70’s. Jim then moved to Dallas City where he married Betty Dodd who had five children. She died on May 16, 2008.
Jim went to work for his grandfather and father at the H.O. White & Son Grain and Coal Company. Later, he and his father changed the name to White & White Grain Company which he sold to Twomey Co. in August of 1977.
He was a 1946 graduate of Media High School.
He was a member of the Burlington Baptist Church, 50+ year member of the Masons, 50+ year member of Consistory in Quincy, 40+ year member of Carthage Lake Club, 20+ year member of the Shriners, member of the Blue Lodge in LaHarpe, on the town board of Media, 40+ year member of the Media School Board, and helped to unite Media and Stronghurst Schools. Jim enjoyed reading, music, following grain commodities very closely, attending his kids and grandkids sporting events and dancing.
Survivors include his fiancée, Roberta “Bertie” (Bernie) Connelly of Burlington; three daughters, Kalene Sue Barr of Cheyenne, WY, Gwendolyn Penton of Alamogordo, NM, Julia Fox of Elk Grove Village, IL; four step-sons, Rick Sartorius of Mount Pleasant, Mike Sartorius of Flower Mound, TX, Byron Sartorius of Ocala, FL, Rodney Sartorius of Dallas City, IL; one step-daughter, Rhonda Sartorius of California; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, Betty, he was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Evelyn.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Thielen Crematory.
The celebration of life service for Mr. White will be held on his birthday at noon Thursday, September 3, 2015, at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #578 where food will be served. A private family memorial service will be held prior to the celebration of life with Pastor Kendall Adams officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Great River Hospice and the Burlington Baptist Church.
Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory is in care of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.thielenfuneralhome.com.
