James Laurel White

James Laurel White, 85, of Hillsboro, died at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2008 at Memorial Medical Center. James was born May 29, 1923 in Coffeen, IL, the son of James Aaron and Ethel Elmore White. He married Mary Jane White on August 2, 1941 in St. Charles, MO. James was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WWII. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. Following his service, James was employed at the Elkhart coal mine. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and VFW Post 1306. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; son-in-law, Gary Wright; and a grandson, Thomas Edward White. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Mary Jane White of Hillsboro; one son, Laurel (wife, Irene) White of Litchfield; five daughters, Janet Wright of Springfield, Karen (husband, Dick) White of Dawson, Cheryl (husband, Carl) Cress of Hillsboro, Laura (husband, Robert) Gillespie of Springfield and Leda White of Springfield; eleven grandchildren, Stephanie and Matthew Goldstein, Shae Bruce, Heather and Shauna Gillespie, Mary and James Jake White, Petra Kincaid, Andrew White, Michelle Havey and Brian Wright; seven great-grandchildren, Devin White, Kelsie Hale, Taylor Kincaid, Aubrey White, Paige Bruce, Mason Bruce and Kylie Goldstein; seven siblings; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, PO Box 116, Springfield, IL 62705-0116.