James White

James V. White, 91, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 21, 2013, at St. Patrick's Church with Rev. Joseph Donton officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20 at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 3:00 p.m. He will be buried in West Lisbon Cemetery with Military Rites being accorded. James was born July 17, 1921 in Ottawa, Illinois, to Vincent and Catherine (O'Connor) White. He married Lorraine Olson October 19, 1946 in Ottawa. He was a 1940 graduate of Marseilles High School. A WWII Veteran, he earned the Purple Heart while serving with the 25th Infantry, Tropic Lighting in the Solomon Islands. He worked at Illinois Bell and IBEW Local 399 as a Business Representative and Vice President of the local. He retired in 1983. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Knights of Columbus, the Telephone Company Pioneer Club, and the Marseilles American Legion. He is survived by his two daughters, Jeralyn (Arthur) Wilhelmi of Port Isabel, Texas, and Patti Shute of Ottawa; one son, Michael (Sharon) White of Ottawa; seven grandchildren, Scott (Margie) and Mark Wilhelmi, Nicholas (Rachel) and Andrew Shute, Adam (Angel) White, Jessica White, and Sarah (Adam) Dines; and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorraine; and two sisters, Mary Jule Zoran and Lucille Bellott. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to the family.