James W. Lettsome
James Lettsome was born on October 13th, 1930 in Marseilles, Illinois. He was the third child of James and Irene Lettsome. Jim enjoyed his childhood in Marseilles surrounded by his brothers and sister and grandparents who lived a block away from his home. He especially enjoyed sledding in the winter with his brother Ronnie and his mother’s wonderful home cooked Italian food.
Jim graduated from Marseilles HIgh School in May of 1948. He joined the United States Navy in January of 1951. He was honorably discharged in September of 1951 due to medical reasons. Jim then enrolled at Bradley University in Peoria where he graduated with a BS in Industrial Arts May of 1956.
Jim moved to Oak Park Illinois in September 1956 where he met Muriel at a young adult group at First Presbyterian Church. They fell deeply in love and were married on August 27th, 1960 at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest. Jim became a pharmacy technician and worked at Muriel’s family business, Matthei Pharmacy in Chicago.
Jim and Muriel moved to a home in Oak Brook. They were blessed with two children Jenny and Laura. Jim also was blessed with two sons-in-law Mike and Mark and two grandchildren Olivia and Madeline.
Jim loved to garden, play harmonica, do home repairs and clean anything! He loved to eat sweets especially candy and drink Coke but never gained any weight! Jim’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and pet poodles. In the last three years, he began to paint with watercolors, especially enjoying painting nature.
Jim leaves a legacy of love and devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren.
He was a kind, loving man with a wonderful sense of humor who set a great example for us all.
Visitation 4 to 7 pm on Monday, September 20 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Funeral service 10 am Tuesday, September 21 from the funeral home to Bethania Cemetery. Funeral info: (708) 352-6500
My sincere sympathy to Laura and her family. I wish them peace knowing Mr. Lettsome is at peace and no longer struggling. His memory will live on in the loving hearts of his family.
I didn’t loose a father-in-law, I also lost my best friend.
Jim was one of the nicest, most caring person I’ve ever met. I enjoyed his company, learning about life growing up in Marseilles, working on home improvement projects, and having a Dunkin Donuts coffee with him!
Like my Father who passed away before him, I will miss him everyday of my life.
I was thinking about Laura today and did some google searching and saw this. I’m so sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Laura’s at Butler and her parents were always so kind. Sending love to all.