Jimmie Lee Rosenthal

Jim was born in his aunt’s house in Edinburg, IL, on October 17, 1933. He was the oldest of 5 children of Helen and Eldred (Butch) Rosenthal, who both preceded him in death.

Also preceding him in death were his brother, Randall Rosenthal; and two brothers-in-law, considered good friends, Bernard Kunz and Thomas Kucinick.

Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia Rosenthal. He is also survived by a daughter, Coleen Rosenthal of Springfield, IL; two sons, Jeff (Peggy) Rosenthal of Wildwood, MO, and Keith (Jeff Boehm) of Mill Valley, CA; 4 grandchildren, Justin and Sydney Rosenthal and Tyrin and Tamara Boehm.

Jim’s family lived in Sorento, IL, and New Douglas, IL, before moving to a nearby farm. Jim was to tell his kids many stories of life on the farm. His entire family grew up very close and remained that way throughout their lives. That family love and bond has spread down through the generations.

After graduating from high school, Jim worked in a steel mill in Granite City, IL. He was called to active duty in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper. He was discharged as a Corporal in 1955 after receiving his Airborne wings and Leadership Training.

Soon after returning from the service, he met his future wife Patricia. They married on February 23, 1957.

Jim attended Bailey Technical School while continuing to work at the steel mill. After completing his certification, he accepted a position with Bendix as a test engineer on the Pershing Missile Support Team. As a civilian contracted to the army, he and his family moved to 6 other states while keeping permanent residence in Lawton, OK. In 1972, Jim left Bendix to move back closer to his and Pat’s families. He accepted a job as Service Manager for Simplex in Springfield, IL, where he worked until he retired in 1998.

He was a skillful handyman and mechanic and did all the vehicle and house repairs. He also owned and maintained several rental properties up until just a year ago. When he was still employed, he brought his coveralls with him daily so that he could work lunch hours and after work at the rentals. It was that extra income that helped put his three kids through college.

Jim loved the water and owning a boat. Most weekends in Oklahoma and Illinois were spent on the lake boating, skiing, and fishing with family and friends. He joined the Knights of Columbus 4179 on Lake Springfield, and brought the family to nearly every event. Jim’s closest friends were those from that club where he volunteered relentlessly with his friends at events and whenever cleanup or repairs were needed. He was the Treasurer for 6 years and inducted into the Springfield Diocese Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame in 2008.

Jim had a passion for pitching horseshoes and was very competitive in the Lake Club League. He also loved playing cards. He’d never pass up a chance to play.

Jim was a hardworking man who was deeply religious and dedicated to family. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, followed by the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the HSHS St. John’s Foundation in gratitude for the compassion and care provided by the nurses, techs, and doctors to Jim and his family during Jim’s final days. https://www.hshs.org/st-johns/community/giving/donate-now

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.