James Dwight Whitaker

James Dwight Whitaker June 2nd, 1937 - February 4th 2024 James “Dwight” Whitaker, aged 86, passed away on February 4th in Pekin, Il. He was born in Forest City, Illinois, to John Floyd and Lillie Maude (Langston) Whitaker and was the youngest of 8 children. He graduated from Forman High School in 1955, attended the University of Illinois, and served in the 169th Fighter Squadron in the Peoria Air Guard. In 1958, at the age of 21, he had the opportunity to take over his mothers's 390-acre family farm, where he lived for the rest of his life. He remained a dedicated steward of the land until his retirement in 2020. On July 21st, 1963, he married Jacqueline Bilyeu. Together, they expanded their farm operation with hogs and cattle in the earlier days and then focused exclusively on row crops after the 1970’s. They raised three sons, Brad, Doug, and Darin. Between the busy farming seasons, Dwight and Jacque enjoyed sightseeing around the United States - always taking the backroads. He was a well-loved and active member of the Forest City Community Church. He served as a board member, helped behind the scenes at events, and ran the sound system for the services for many years. His family knew him best for home churned vanilla ice cream, fresh garden vegetables, witty jokes, giving grandkids rides around the farm, playing games, and how much he loved his wife and family very much. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Whitaker, and their three sons, Brad Whitaker and his wife Jane (Schauwecker), Doug Whitaker and his wife Kristi (Gilbert), Darin Whitaker and his wife Kim (Richardson). 18 grandchildren: Cassandra (Bob) Everly, Nick (Esther) Whitaker, Emily (Bryce) Baker, Sarah (Chris) Jebb is, Michelle (Josiah) Gerst, Brooke Whitaker, Floyd (Rachel) Whitaker, Rachel (Caleb) Ellison, Meagan Whitaker, Samuel Whitaker, Lois Whitaker, Grace (Dalton) Powell, Matthew Whitaker, Daniel Whitaker, Jacob Whitaker, Olivia Whitaker, Caleb Whitaker, and Katie Whitaker. 16 great-grandchildren. Clayton Everly, Shelby Everly, Joseph Baker, Natasha Whitaker, Sebastian Gerst, Teagan Whitaker, Ellie Whitaker, Briley Baker, Autumn Everly, William Whitaker, Sawyer Gerst, Juliet Ross, Silas Baker, Aria Sackery, Mason Everly, Stevie Whitaker He is preceded in death by his parents, one infant son, three brothers, and four sisters. Visitation and funeral services are on Wednesday, February 7th, at the Forest City Community Church. Visitation begins at 10:00 am Funeral services start at 11:00 am Luncheon provided by the Forest City Community Church. Friends and Family of Dwight are encouraged to attend. Flowers and/or memorable contributions may be sent to the Forest City Community Church. Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.

James Dwight Whitaker

June 2, 1937 - February 4, 2024

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