James Henry White

James Henry White, 81, lifelong resident of Danville, IL passed away peacefully at 3:09 pm on August 2, 2012 surrounded by his loving family after a 2 year courageous battle with Esophageal Cancer. He was born on February 12, 1931, to James Columbus and Susan Bell (Hashman) White in Danville, IL. Henry was united to marriage to Helen D. Mills on April 22, 1949. They spent many Saturdays together Square Dancing with the Frontier Twirlers. Henry is survived by his wife Helen of 63 years. Also surviving are his children, James "Jim" (Kathy) White, Patricia "Patty" White and Marsha White, Grandchildren, Ashley White, Kathy Sue (Dennis) Hillard, Vickie Harden, James "Jimmy" (Melissa)White, Jennifer White, Great Grandchildren, Katelynn Hillard, Dennis Hillard, Jason Harden, Amber Harden, Khole White, Ariel White, Kody White, Brothers, Charles "Charlie" (Carole) White, George (Betty) White, Hershel (Charlotte) White, Albert White, Bill (Deea) White, sisters Mary Peterson, Nancy Hardy, Linda White and many nieces and nephews. Henry had a special relationship with his niece Angel White, who shared many interests as he did and cherished every moment she had with him, from carrying bricks and shelling corn at a young age, to taking him on weekend drives to the park and various places just to get him out and talk about their common interests. She always told him "Don't take any wooden Nickels Uncle Henry" and he would just smile. Henry was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jerry White, Carl White and Robert "Bob" White. Henry, as he was known to everyone, attended Danville Schools. At an early age Henry worked at Davies Packing and later accepted a position with the City of Danville in the Street Department. Henry retired with over 30 years of service. As Henry once said, "There probably isn't one street line in Danville I have not painted". He also enjoyed his time in the winter plowing the streets of Danville, often leading the caravan down South Logan to make sure his neighborhood was clear. After retirement from the City, Henry went to work at Priceless Foods in Danville. He always liked to be busy. Henry was an outdoors kind of guy. Growing up on South Logan Ave along the Vermilion River, Henry developed a passion for fishing. He would often say there were "a lot of big cats in that river". Henry also loved when spring arrived so he could hunt for mushrooms. He would often visit his favorite spots at Kennekuk County Park. Henry liked to collect coins, go metal detecting and build flower and vegetable gardens. He enjoyed rock hunting for geodes and other unique rocks. He spent the last couple of summers showing his niece Angel how to spot a geode. Henry also had a knack for carving and shared that with others and was a past member of the Kickapoo Carvers. Henry liked to play guitar and his grand daughter, Ashley, considered her paw-paw a "Country Star". Henry loved Country and Bluegrass music and attended many music festivals. He would always tell of how he met Bill Monroe and how Bill remembered his name when they met again at another festival. During the later years he formed a little band with his brothers, George with the banjo and Bob on the mandolin. They called themselves "The Vermilion River Boys". Henry also enjoyed talking about the "good ole days" and shared many good stories with his family. Henry also enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets. Henry always had a soft spot for animals and in March of 2012 he wanted to raise chickens again as he did in the 1980's. He proudly brought home 5 baby chicks and treated them like royalty. Henry was so excited when one of his babies gave him his first egg. Henry enjoyed spending time with buddies at Schroeder's Drive in drinking coffee in the mornings and talking shop. A celebration of Henry's life will be held at 10:00am, Monday, August 6, 2012, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, Westville. Visitation will be 2-6pm, Sunday, August 5, 2012, at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park, Danville.