James P. Baskerville passed away on Monday, Feb. 9, at home in Manhattan. Jim was born March 14, 1944, and was a lifelong farmer, raising grains, hay, and cattle.

Jim was the son of Walter and Elsie Kestel Baskerville, and he and his sisters grew up on the family farm that his grandfather purchased in 1892.

Jim married Mary Whitler in 1981, and they raised four children: Ann, John, Luke and Megan. John married Melissa Martino, and they are the parents to Jim’s grandchildren: Charlie, Michael and Teddy.

Jim served in the United States Army during the 1960s and returned home, and became active in the Manhattan American Legion Post 935. He served as the post’s chaplain and commander, and for many years, as the Boys State chair.

He also represented Post 935 on the Veteran’s Assistance Commission and remained the chaplain for the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Support Committee through January of this year, helping to spearhead the work to fund and install the statue of President Lincoln at the cemetery. Jim also conducted many services at the cemetery as a member of the Honor Guard squad.

Summers saw Jim looking forward to the first cutting of hay, the Will County Threshermen’s Show and the Will County Fair.

Jim was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and he became a lifelong member, serving as an usher, reader and Eucharistic Minister. Jim also worked for the Manhattan Township Highway Department, and as a young man, enjoyed working at the EJ&E Railroad in the data processing department.

Jim is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and sisters, Ruthann Baskerville and Joyce Baskerville. Jim’s value of family meant he loved keeping in touch with aunts, uncles and cousins. Family gatherings were cherished, as were special holidays with his cousin, Margaret Kennedy Benoit and her family, Bill and Beth, and the family gatherings and Christmas Eve traditions at the Whitlers.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elsie Kestel Baskerville, and a little sister, Louise, who passed in 1950, as well as cherished aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation for Jim took place on Thursday, Feb. 12, at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial took place the following day, Friday, Feb. 13, with a mass of Christian Burial. Interment with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.

Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.