James Huston

James R. Huston

Age 67 of Gardner and formerly Wilmington, passed away Saturday December 3, 2011 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.

Born June 17, 1944 in Morris, Jim is a son of Irene E. Hill-Huston of Gardner and the late LaVerne "Buster" Huston. He was raised and educated in Gardner and was a 1962 graduate of Gardner-South Wilmington High School. Jim was retired from Heritage F.S., where he worked as a Petroleum Sales and Deliveryman for more than 20 years. Most recently after his retirement, he was also a truck driver for Ritchie Grain Elevator. Jim was a member and past president of the Will County Thresherman's Association, President of JBRF-FTCC, member of the Gardner Lions Club, Central Illinois Green Club, Chapter 2 IH Collector's Club and The Teamsters. Jim had a great love for antique tractors and farming, and had an extensive collection of toy tractors and collectables. He also greatly enjoyed cars, snowmobiles and various toys with four wheels.

Survivors include his children: Lori Huffman of Arizona, Wendi (Scott) Hatcher of Naperville, Jamie (Jenny) Huston of Arizona, Erik (Jessica) Huston of Ingleside, Matt (Audrey Mudroch) Shipley of Chicago and Jeana (Brian) Matichak of Joliet; ten grandchildren: Ashley Huffman, Erin Huffman, Jordin Hatcher, Tyler Hatcher, Summer Hatcher, Tanner Huston, Taylor Huston, Ethan Matichak, Zoey Matichak and Maysen Matichak; his mother Irene Huston of Gardner; special friend Kathy Duffy of Pontiac; two sisters: Barbara (Carl) Chandler of Columbia, South Carolina and Shirley (Keith) Kluge of Park Forest and two brothers: Gary (Connie) Huston of Fairbury and Karl (Karrin) Schaulin of Loveland, Ohio, as well as numerous niece, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father LaVerne "Buster" Huston, wife Karen (nee Thontlin), nephews: Kevin Kluge and Kyle Schaulin; cousin Roger Schaulin and mother and father-in-law: Richard and Audrey Thontlin.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Wednesday December 7, 2011 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street in downtown Gardner.

Jim will then lie in state Thursday December 8, 2011 at United Lutheran Church, 309 East Jefferson Street in Gardner from 10:00AM until time of funeral service 11:00AM. Pastor Royan Rodney will officiate and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington.

Pallbearers will be: Guy Huston, Bill Endrst, Fred Lestina, Brad Eike, Willard Johnston and Gary Rabideau.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Jim's memory to United Lutheran Church, 309 East Jefferson Street, Gardner, Illinois 60424 or Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815/237-2526)