James 'Jim' Edward Long

James 'Jim' Edward Long, 89, of Tilton, IL, went home to be with our lord on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at his daughters home in Tilton.

He was born on March 23, 1930, in Peru, IN to Thomas and Pearl (Clark) Long.

As his father was before him, he was raised on the "Long" family farm in Macy IN, along with his four siblings and his favorite dog Spot.

He was united in marriage to Lolita Joyce Burgard in 1950 and in this union they had five children, she preceded him in death in 1970. He was then united in marriage to Wanda Alice Hutchcraft in 1972 and with her three children, brought two families together as one. They were married for 44 years when she preceded him in death in 2017.

He graduated from Deedsville High School, class of 1948 and he participated in school sports, including basketball and baseball.

He enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean War in 1951 and served as a Staff Sergeant. In 1952 he was stationed in Casablanca Morocco for a year and a half and during this time, his wife (Lolita Joyce Burgard Long) joined him there just prior to the birth of their first son. After leaving Morocco he spent the remainder of his enlistment in South Carolina until 1955.

He worked 43 years on the Railroad serving his apprenticeship in 1948 with the C & O Railroad in Peru, IN and after returning from his service duty, he worked for the Wabash Railroad before relocating to Danville in 1962. He retired from Norfolk & Southern Railroad (Tilton) in August of 1991.

Jim was a longstanding avid Chicago Cubs fan and an Indiana Hoosiers Basketball fan. He loved to keep an immaculate yard and in his younger days, enjoyed getting out into his woodworking workshop, mushroom hunting, fishing and playing a good game of golf. He loved his family very much and was a devoted father to all of his children. Everyone that met him loved his kind gentle personality and he will surely be missed by all.

He is survived by seven children , Steve Long of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Kathy (Jeff) Taylor of Danville, IL, Jeff (Katie) Long of Tucson, AZ, Lisa (Sean) Wilkus of Westville, IL, Bruce (Marie) Long of Covington, IN, Jewel Johnson of Tilton, IL., and Drew (Vickie) Rush of Danville, IL; 20 grandchildren, 22 Great-grandchildren and 2 Great Great-Grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his two sisters, Juanita Geberin and Marquita (Ted) Edwards both of Indiana.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, a son, CA Rush, a sister, Charlotte Duncan, and a brother Fred Long.

The family would like to thank all of his wonderful care givers and OSF Hospice for the special care they gave him during his illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Miles Clark will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park with Full Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Friday, February 28, 2020 from 4:00 7:00 PM at the funeral home and one hour prior to services.

Memorials may be made in Jims memory to the charity of the donors choice.

Please join James family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .