James Guthrie, Jr., age 86, of Petersburg, passed away on Saturday December 3, 2022 at his residence.
He was born on May 12, 1936 in Blue Diamond, KY, the son of James and Ola (Sammons) Guthrie.
James met the love of his life, Bettyanne, who was a nurse’s aide, while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. They married on May 18th, 1957 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
He is survived by two daughters, whom both are nurses, Paula Echols (Tony) of Tennessee and Sarah Bly of Springfield, IL; three grandchildren, James Echols and Stephanie Quillin of Tennessee and Victoria (Travis “Tator”) Harris Idaho; two great-grandsons, Anthony Tribble of Tennessee and Liam Harris of Idaho; and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Quillin of Tennessee.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Bettyanne; one grandson, Ryan Bly; and his two beloved black labs, Josie I and Josie II.
James retired from the United States Air Force in 1973, Staley Manufacturing in Decatur, and Franklin Life Insurance in Springfield.
He enjoyed music and had a country music band, “Fierce Country”, who played all around central Illinois.
Visitation for James will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services at 11:00 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. Burial will be held immediately after the services at Farmer’s Point Cemetery near Petersburg.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Posted December 7th, 2022 at 8:42 pm
Jim was one of the nicest most fun-loving guys i ever met..Ed Nichols, Phil Lawson and i played music for him, Betty and all the deer park gang many many times..some of the best memories i will ever have..love you Jim..God speed, my friend
Posted December 11th, 2022 at 11:55 am
Super good guy. We both love ya