James H Black

James H. Black (Jim), 92, of Georgetown, passed away at 6:32 AM, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, IL surrounded by his loving family. Born in Georgetown, Illinois on December 13, 1928, he was the son of Roy A. and Elizabeth Dinsmore Black. Jim graduated from Georgetown High School in 1946. Jim was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy and the Naval Reserves, serving for 14 years. On June 25, 1950 he married Shirley Jean Wilson. During their 44 years of marriage, they raised five children; Shirley preceded him in death on July 24, 1994. A sister, Joan Kestufskie and son-in-law Glen Cook also preceded him in death. Jim worked as an ironworker for Chicago Bridge and Iron (CB&I) which took him all over the United States building water towers. When it was time to put down roots, he returned to Georgetown to raise his family. He went to work for Mervis Industries as a welder until his retirement in 1994. Jim is survived by his children, Suzie (Lawrence) Brown, Jaime (Mike) Kanger, Don Black, Amy (Wendell) Hawley, and Missy (Mike) Dokey. He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren, Molly (Brad) Wall, Tory (Eric) Morgan, Nicholas (Kym) Avenatti, Dana (Dave) Franz, Emileigh (Bryan) Pigg, Aaron (Jenna) Black, Jessica Cook, Jacob (Shasta) Cook, Cody (Lora) Hawley, Sydnee Black, Victoria (Nelson) Courtney, Macey Dokey and Drake Dokey; and 20 great-grandchildren, as well as a special nephew Mike (Cheryl) Kestufskie. Jim was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and in 2016, his dream came true, he was able to watch the Chicago Cubs win the World Series! Jim loved his family, his country, and his God. He served them all to the best of his ability. A day did not go by that he didnt thank God for the family that was given to him and Shirley. A celebration of Jims life will be held at 2:00pm, Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Georgetown, Illinois 200 E. West St. Georgetown, Illinois 61846 with Pastor Aaron Rohde officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his service at the funeral home. It is kindly requested that face masks be worn, and social distancing is practiced by those in attendance of the visitation and or service. He will be laid to rest in Georgetown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or any charity of donors choice. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, & videos, through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.