James R. Haney

James Ronald Haney, age seventy three years, of Vienna, Illinois passed away Thursday morning, October 2, 2014 at 8:36 am at the home of his youngest daughter Jodi and Todd Montgomery and family. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his wife and loving family. James was born June 3, 1941 in Shawneetown, IL to Eligah and Alpha (Hayes) Haney. He moved to Kankakee in 1959, and began his 30 year career at General Motors in 1960. He grew up in Massac County and attended Massac Co. and Kankakee IL high schools. James married Donna Jean (Anderson) on March 5, 1960 at Old Shawneetown, IL. James and Donna were blessed with five children: Rebecca Jean (Jurgen) Hewitt and children Rose (Brad), Travis (fiancé Vicki), and Eric (Brittany); James “Jim” Roger (Faith) Haney and children Adam (Erin), Ethan and Noah; Janine Rhea (Johnny) Huckelberry and children Amanda (Justin) Harris, and Kaleigh Grant, Angela (Justin) Branum, John Phillip; Jarrod Randall (Christina) Haney and children Kyle, Elijah, Samantha, Lillian, Isaiah, and Elizabeth; Jodi Renee (Todd) Montgomery and children Abigail and Alivia. James was united in marriage to Janet Lorene (Burnett) on June 14, 2003. She survives. James is also survived by step-children: Daniel Kevin (Debbie) McDonald; Lisa (Richard) Wedeking; Jane Ellyn (Joe) Galbraith; and Caleb Will Staton. Step-grandchildren, Amber White (fiancé Mark); Brandon (Jessica) Holt; Caleb (Laura) Darnell; Quentin Galbraith; Jonathon Staton; and Rainy Staton. Other survivors include one brother Kenneth (Sherry) Haney of Tucson AZ; Brother-in-law Kirk D. (Loveta) Burnett of Galatia, IL; Sister-in-law Gayla Sue (Will) Everett of Tucson, AZ. Great-Grandchildren Gabrielle, Katelyn and Hannah Buretz; Sophia Hewitt; Cameron and awaiting the arrival of two more great-grandchildren. Also step-great grandchildren Alisa and Alona White and Breona and Braden Holt; Audrey and Mallory Darnell. James was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years (Donna), his parents, four brothers and three sisters, and one step grandchild (Andrew Wilkins). James was a member of Bethlehem Gospel Mission Church in Tunnel Hill, IL. James enjoyed singing and playing guitar. He sang with the Country Gospel III for several years, traveling and recording two albums. He also sang with Southern Strings and God‘s Country. He was an avid gun enthusiast and was a lifelong member of the NRA. For the last several years, he enjoyed working at his son-in-law’s tax office where he met many friends. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and many friends. He taught his children and grandchildren the true meaning of the phrase, “The lively art of conversation,“ by many hours of front porch talks, or evenings spent visiting on the back deck. James leaves his many family and friends to cherish his memory. Funeral services were held Monday, October 6, 2014, at 10 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Clark Madden, Pastor Russ Kreuter, and Pastor Jimmy Jackson officiated. Musical selections included Taped renditions of Reach Out to Jesus, Amazing Grace by Elvis Presley, and The Unclouded Day by Johnny Cash. Burial was in the Belknap Masonic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Travis Hewitt, Eric Hewitt, Adam Haney, Ethan Haney, Noah Haney, Kyle Haney, Isaiah Haney, and Elijah Haney. Visitation was after 5 PM Sunday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to The Invisible Pain Organization, 209 S. 7th St., Elkville, IL 62932.

James R. Haney

June 3, 1941 - October 2, 2014