James "Jimmy" Dean

Jimmy Dean, age 82 of Carthage Illinois died on Friday, March 19th, 2021 at his home in Carthage.

A Visitation followed by a service will be held from 9 to 11am Saturday March 27th at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. 

Jimmy told it like it was and had a lasting impression on everyone he met.  If you’re wondering if you ever met him, you didn’t because you would remember.  For those of you that did meet him, we apologize as we’re sure he probably offended you.  He was renowned for not holding back.

James Donald Dean was born on June 28th, 1938 in Keokuk, Iowa to Harley and Margie (Sherman) Dean.  He was the oldest of three, his sister Judy (Rick) Gutting, and his baby brother Hollis (Alice) Dean.  He enjoyed playing sports at Carthage High School and chasing girls.  He went off to the Navy to proudly serve his country ­and tried the domestic life upon his return.  After several attempts at marriage, he decided the single life was best for him.  He raised 2 girls whom he adored Kim Dean and Stephy Dean.  Jimmy worked at Hoerner Box in Keokuk, Iowa for 37 years until his retirement. He lived many years after his retirement and did whatever he pleased.  You may have heard him shouting at the referee in the stands at home and away Illini West Sporting events.  He cherished his time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He traveled to his sisters in Arizona and stayed in Peoria with his grandson as much as he could.  Jimmy had many friends and would do anything for them.  They would stop by sometimes just wanting to chat and hear some of the wild stories from his experiences that were unbelievable at times but were perfectly told and historically accurate.    Jimmy enjoyed music, often heard all over the south side of town as he usually had it turned up loud sometimes late at night.

Jim is having a reunion with his beloved daughter Stephy, his Father Harley, his son-in-law Dallas Davidson, his sweet mother Margie, brother-in-law Rick Gutting, and many other family and friends.

His memories carry on with his Daughter Kim, his grandsons Joey (Ashley) Davidson, Jacy (Courtney) Ellefritz, and granddaughter Brandy Davidson.  Great Grandchildren Hayley Cambell, Dean Davidson, Jensen Ellefritz, Hadlee Davidson, Bryleigh Ellefritz, Paizlee Ellefritz, and Adaleigh Ellefritz, his brother Hod and sister Judy as well as many nieces and nephews whom adored him. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Illini West Sports Boosters, or the James Dean Memorial Fund.

Rock on Jimmy Dean Rock On

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