James Edward Litherland, Jr 86, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Friday, October 23, 2020.

He was born June 13, 1934 in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of James Edward and Opal (Johnson) Litherland.  On August 6, 1954, he married Donna Litherland in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. She passed away November 16, 2017 after sixty-three years of marriage.

Jim was an active in the Allendale and Mt. Carmel Communities, serving on the First National Bank of Allendale and Mt. Carmel Board of Directors for 40 years, and serving as Chairman of the Board from 1999 to 2012. Jim cherished his involvement with the bank and maintained contact with his bank associates after his retirement from the board. Jim was a lifelong member of the Elks, serving as Exalted Ruler from 1972 to 1973. He also served as Treasurer of the #377 Board for many years.

Jim’s occupation for nearly 70 years was with Allendale Gravel Company, founded by his father. Of course, Jim never retired from the company and was always willing to provide input, even on his last day on earth. His favorite activity was entertaining friends and associates in his Pinkstaff “Penthouse Suite” and watching the wheels turn on the empire he built.

In 1985, Jim began his endeavors in Lee and Charlotte Counties in Florida, where his sons caught the Sunshine Bug and remain today. Jim sold his business interests in 2005, but he continued to be involved in shell mining consulting for another 10 years.

Jim’s other love was aviation. He loved his Navion Rangemaster “Yellow Bird”, which is still at Mt Carmel Airport having been based there for 50 years. He made numerous trips to Florida and back and loved 99% of those flights. He was skilled at making the most of its performance, bringing awe to those that weren’t shaking their heads.

Jim cared deeply for those that worked with and for him, and rewarded loyalty with loyalty. Jim unselfishly and unknowingly gave to numerous worthy causes that assisted the underprivileged with loving Christian values.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his children: Steve Litherland and his wife Teresa of North Port, Florida, Kathy Jean Litherland of Harrisburg, Illinois, and, Jeffery Scott Litherland and his wife Sherrie of North Port, Florida; and three grandchildren Nicholas, Emily and Dylan Litherland all of North Port, Florida.  

James was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna (Aldridge) Litherland and sisters Kathryn (Hughes Rigg) and Marge (Joe Schneider).

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home.  Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. with burial in Highland Memorial Cemetery.  

Memorials can be made to Illinois Special Olympics or to the charity of your choice. One of Jim’s favorite charities was Victorious Children’s Home. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family has requested all to follow Covid-19 guidelines for social distancing, wearing of masks and hand washing. For Visitation, enter through the garage door and leave by way of the front door, follow the distancing signs.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Jim’s family.