James Weldon Werkheiser of rural Lena passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021. He was born in Freeport to Amos W. and LaVonne (Dossey) Werkheiser on October 28, 1935. Jim married Mary Lois Sauer March 26, 1959, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and Plum River Masonic Lodge. Jim attended Tiger Whip School and graduated from Stockton High School in 1953, then served in the United States Army. He was the fifth generation to live, own and operate the family dairy farm in rural Lena, retiring from farming in 1994 and later driving a dump truck part time during their summers at home. Jim and Mary were snowbirds to Lakeview, Arkansas, later moving there in 2002 where they lived until returning to Illinois in 2014. While in Arkansas, he volunteered part-time at the Ozark Regional Airport in Midway, working as an airplane mechanic. Jim also spent several years helping with Christmas lights and decorations in their local park for the drive thru display.

Learning the love of flying from his dad and uncle Burrill, on his 16 ^th birthday, he soloed and passed his pilot's test from which he flew for over 50 years, later obtaining a glider's license in 1980. Through the decades he flew not only for his own pleasure but would take family and friends for rides to see the country side and perhaps 'buzz' a over the house to see his own farm. He also participated in many Annual Air Lifts at the Stockton airport. He once wrote in a letter to his brother stating "it was fun to just blow the dust out of my whiskers!"

In addition to flying, he and Mary enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards or board games, traveling, taking drives in the country, watching dirt track and NASCAR races and cheering on the Packers. Jim liked to visit with people and rarely met a stranger.

Survivors include his children, Robert (Gail) Werkheiser of Lena and Jean (Jeffrey) Zieber of Seligman, Missouri; brother, Charles (Louise) Werkheiser of San Diego, California; grandchildren, Michael (Allison Palmer) Werkheiser, Morgan (Eric Jameson) Werkheiser, Casey (Tabitha) Coleman, Benjamin Coleman, Zachary (Kelsea) Zieber, Tyler Zieber, Sara Werkheiser, Sandra Werkheiser, David Werkheiser; and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his wife, Mary; son, Gerald "Jerry"; daughter, Carol Ann; granddaughter, Mellissa Shumaker; and sister, Shirley.

The family wishes to thank Hospice, Lena Living Center and Grandview Estates Assisted Living in Elizabeth.

There will be a graveside service held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Kent Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established.