James Willard McKean

James Willard McKean, 93, of Woodson passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. He was born May 4, 1921 in Murrayville, the son of Howard E. and Mayme A. Clarkson McKean. He married Antoinette “Tona” Oliveto, Oct. 10, 1942. She preceded him in death, Apr. 25, 1991. He married Marjorie (Kathy) Giberson, May 25, 1998. Surviving is his wife, Kathy of Woodson; children, Mavis McGee of CA, Karen (Wayne) Nicholson of CA, Kenneth (companion Kris Napp) McKean of WA, and Keith (Linda Sue) McKean of AR; step-children, DeWayne (Garneta) Willis of MO, Kosta (Bill) Blake and Marylin (Danny) Knight both of Murrayville; 7 grandchildren, Jim (Wendy) McGee, John (Debbie) McGee, Sunshine (Hank) Nance of GA, Kenya Sky of WA, Benjamin Daniel (Linda) McKean, Joshua David (Kerry) McKean, and Samuel James (Aranzazu) McKean all of MD; 10 step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 9 step great-grandchildren; brothers, Howard McKean of Peoria, and Jesse (Georgeanne) McKean of White Hall; and sister, Helen (Russell) Hicks of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Jason Knight and siblings, Charles, Edward, John, and Paul McKean, Margaret Manley, Louise Strauss, and Janet McKean. James was a retired US Navy veteran with more than 35 years of service to his country. He served in both WWII and Korea. Because of the naval gunfire experience he shipped out to Korea where he bombarded strategic positions in Wonson Harbor. During his long naval career, he enjoyed the distinction of shaking hands with President Truman, having breakfast with the President, wife, Bess, and their daughter aboard ship, attending the funeral service of President Franklin Roosevelt, and driving the French Delegation to the first meeting of the United Nations in 1946. Upon retiring from active duty, he continued serving his country as an instructor in Naval Gunfire Support and Underwater Warfare to midshipmen. He also retired as a Supervisory Electronic Equip. Quality Assurance Specialist where he traveled all over the country with his job. He was a life-time member of the American Legion and VFW. James was a member of the White Hall Pentecostal Church. His greatest loves were his family, God, and country. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015 at the Daws Family Funeral Home in South Jacksonville with interment in the Murrayville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the White Hall Pentecostal Church.

James Willard McKean

May 4, 1921 - February 26, 2015