James McIlwain (Veteran)

James Monroe McIlwain, 63, of Jefferson City, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2010, in Jefferson City. He was born April 9, 1947, in Jefferson City, a son of James R. and Elizabeth (Wekenborg) McIlwain. He was a 1966 graduate of Jefferson City High School. On September 26, 1980, James was united in marriage to Debbie Jennings, who survives at their home. James worked for United Telephone for 15 years, and was also a truck driver for Capital Concrete and later for Farmers Concrete, where he retired in 2009. James was a veteran of the United State Marine Corps. He entered in September 1966, and served one tour of duty in Vietnam, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in April 1969. James was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Wyman S. Basinger Post 35 and the Marine Corps League Samuel F. Gearhart Detachment. He attended the First United Methodist Church. He always took care of others before taking care of himself. His two favorite things to do, were mentoring with his grandson "DJ" and spending time with his family and friends. Along with his wife Debbie, James is survived by his mother, Elizabeth McIlwain; two daughters, Carrie Elizabeth McIlwain (boyfriend Eddie Shelley) and Kathleen Anna McIlwain; his grandson, Daniel James "DJ" Brown; one brother, Ralph McIlwain (wife Shirley); two sisters, Carol Schneider (husband Bill) and Suzie Rackers (boyfriend Mark Brothers), all of Jefferson City; two brothers-in-law, Donald Jennings (wife Pat) of Iowa and Doug Jennings (wife Lesa) of Centertown; one sister-in-law, Dana Gibler (husband Tom) of Jefferson City; his father and mother-in-law, Don and Norma Jennings of Jefferson City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, James R. McIlwain. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 10, 2010, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 11, 2010, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, with Rev. Daniel Hilty officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Wyman S. Basinger Post 35, or the Marine Corps League Samuel F. Gearhart Detachment. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com