James E. Webb

Jim grew up working many hours on the family farm and attended a one room schoolhouse with good friend, Max Murphy. The two rode their ponies to school which was the preferred method of transportation.

After attending and graduating from Bushnell High in 1950, Jim went on to attend Western Illinois University. He joined the Navy in 1953 and was a commissioned Ensign in March of 1955 and became a naval aviator. After a 30+year career in the navy, he retired as a Captain.

Jim's met his one true love, Christine Ledbetter, who he married in 1961. They had three children, Janet Marie in 1964, Laura Ann in 1967, and James Lawrence in 1970. Jim was blessed with two grandchildren, Brianna and Rachel and spent his later years enjoying time with his family. Jim and Chris were married 50 years before she passed away in 2011.

Jim passed peacefully in his sleep on October 22, 2013 after a difficult battle with cancer. He is survived by his three children and two grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, brother and friend and will be missed dearly .