William G. “Bill” James

William G. “Bill” James, 85, of Springfield, died at 12:25 pm, Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at his home. He was born October 3, 1936 in Carlinville, Illinois to Gilson W. and Isabelle (Hutton) James.

Bill spent most of his life in the Springfield area. He attended Springfield public schools graduating from Feitshans High School in 1954. In addition he attended and graduated from Springfield Junior College in 1956 and Manchester College in 1958.

During his college years Bill spent four summer seasons working as a deck hand on the Mississippi towboat the M. V. Fleetwood. In 1960, he received a draft invitation and spent 2 years and 7 months in the U.S. Army primarily stationed at the 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. Upon his discharge from the Army, Bill began his civilian work career with Burroughs of Germany.

Later he returned to Springfield to initially work for Burroughs in Springfield and later worked for the State of IL Department of Human Resources.

During retirement Bill and his pretty good bird dogs chased upland game in many a field in the area. Also he invented the mythical hunt club known as The Hunt, Shoot, Cuss, Spit and Fish Club as a back drop for the written record of his many journeys to the field. In a better and more fulfilling chapter of his life, Bill married Katherine “Kay” Butcheck and they had the good fortune to spend nearly 50 years together. Unfortunately, Kay predeceased Bill in 2019.

Together they had one son, Ian. Ian and his wife Melissa have two wonderful children, Alistair and Ava.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until time of funeral service at 4:00 pm, Sunday, January 30, 2022 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Reverend Chuck Goodman officiating.

Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery at a later date where military honors will be conducted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League.

CDC protocol shall be followed.

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