John James Kane Jr

John James "Jim" Kane, Jr., 75 of Monmouth, Illinois died at 7:30 P.M., Sunday, March 9, 2014 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Jim was born April 1, 1938 in Macomb, and he is the son of John James, Sr. and Ruth Maxine (Norville) Kane. He was raised and educated in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1956, during which he was elected as Class Vice President by his fellow seniors.

Jim served in the Illinois National Guard.

He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret D. "Diane" Foreman at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth on June 8, 1957. Jim and Diane were devoted to each other in marriage for 56 years, during which they always kept family the focus of all their energies. When Diane passed away on Nov. 22, 2013 she was surrounded by her entire family with Jim by her side.

Jim had a passion for work. As a young man, he often had two or three jobs at a time, working at McCullough Lumber Yard, the Trading Post gas station, and doing roofing, construction, and auto body and engine work. He began his first career as an order picker at the Gamble-Skogmo warehouse in Monmouth in 1957. He was proud to have set the warehouse record of picking the most orders of any employee in a single day. Jim worked his way up the company ranks, becoming Warehouse Manager at a very young age. During the 1970's, he was offered corporate promotions in other parts of the country, but he chose to stay in Monmouth to be close to his family and friends. When Gamble-Skogmo closed in 1983, Jim began his second career at Security Savings Bank in Monmouth as a Vice President in the Commercial Loan Department. He relished his new bank job and enjoyed working with his customers and fellow employees. He retired in 2004 to spend more time with Diane and his family.

Jim was extremely handy and knowledgeable. Family and friends sought him for advice on everything: Home improvements, car repairs, electrical, plumbing, finance, or just for help in hard times. He was very generous, giving his possessions or his time to those in need. He was a man of deep Catholic faith and member of Immaculate Conception Church. He was a member of many organizations, including the Lion's Club, Jaycees, and was a member and past President of the Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies included golf, hunting, and tinkering with car and home projects in his garage. His greatest relaxation was traveling the country with his family, and lounging around his backyard pool with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his two daughters, Kathy (Stan) Simonson and Debbie Cook; son, Brian, (Lori) Kane all of Monmouth; Grandchildren, Jenna (Dusty) Roberts, Alex (Ashleigh Tweed) Kane, Breena (Joe) Hoskins, Kayla Kane, Derek Kane, Sara Simonson, Matt Simonson; great grandchildren: Mylah and Kolsen Roberts; one brother Larry (Pat) Kane of Zanesville, OH, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one sister Lynne Reeves.

Friends may call Sunday, March 16, 2014 after Noon at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth where his family will be present from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Cremation will take place following the visitation. A private family graveside service will be at Saint Patrick Cemetery in Raritan at a later date. Memorials may be given to the American Lung Association or OSF Holy Family Medical Center. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth 309-734-6008 is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an on-line condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com