James "Jim" Hightshoe

James H. “Jim” Hightshoe, 87, of Hutsonville, IL, passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2025. Born on November 21, 1937, in Indianapolis, IN, Jim wore glasses from the age of six—an early start to a life spent seeing the world a little more clearly than most. He grew up in the kind of world where a cheeseburger from White Castle cost five cents, and his lifelong devotion to those tiny burgers became something of a family legend. He graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis in 1955. Shortly after, his family relocated to Hutsonville, and Jim helped build the house they would call home. That spirit of service—of pitching in and getting things done—followed him throughout his life.

In 1956, Jim joined the U.S. Navy. He served for four years, crossing the International Date Line twice and learning to endure the close quarters of life deep in the belly of a ship—though he never grew fond of it. After an honorable discharge, he returned to civilian life, but the rhythm didn’t suit him. So he reenlisted—this time in the Army, alongside his brother, Jerry Thomas Hightshoe. From 1964 to 1967, Jim served as a radio operator in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He knew Morse code like a second language and stood for what was right, even when it meant walking away from an establishment that wouldn’t seat his African American friend. It was a quiet, powerful stand—one of many—that spoke volumes about his character.

After his time in the Army, Jim took a job at a glass factory in Joliet, where he burned his hand badly—a story etched into his skin. Eventually, he moved closer to home and joined the labor union in Robinson. Over his long career, he missed only one day of work—after falling off the back of a truck during an ice storm. He earned the respect of countless coworkers through hard labor and quiet grit. Whether it was asbestos removal or general labor, Jim was a master of many trades. His final job was as a janitor at Marathon’s office buildings, a position he held for eight years through Morris Construction—and one he genuinely loved. Jim was proud of his work, proud of his country, and proud to serve. He was an active Master Mason and Past Grand Master, attending meetings weekly in Porterville, Palestine, and later Robinson. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite (Valley of Danville) and the Robinson VFW and volunteered as a firefighter in Hutsonville.

In his youth, he wasn’t known for driving slow—he and his brother-in-law, Bucky, often raced together and could make it to Joliet in three hours flat! But for all his speed, he was never in a rush when it came to people. He’d talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime—especially if they were wearing anything military-related. He carried grace like a second skin. He didn’t badmouth others. He didn’t judge. He simply loved. And he taught his family to do the same. He was the kind of dad who didn’t leave holes for God to fill—he was fully present, fiercely loving, and funny enough to keep his family in stitches. He gave every kid and grandkid a nickname and made each one feel like they were his favorite.

He was a die-hard Cubs fan—so loyal, in fact, that he once wore his Cubs jacket to a Reds game, much to his family’s concern. But loyalty didn’t mean he had infinite patience; if the Cubs were losing, he was known to grumble and angrily change the channel! But his love of sports wasn’t just about watching; it was about being part of the game. In 1981, he coached a highly successful baseball team—featuring his sons, Frank and Jimmy, and his nephews, Matt and Ritchie—that went on to win the Northeast Youth League Tournament championship. Whether cheering from the stands or leading from the dugout, Jim believed in what sports could teach: teamwork, discipline, and joy. That same spirit carried over into his time outdoors. He loved to fish with Bucky at Newton Lake or at Bubba’s pond, and years ago, he and Sonny would rise in the middle of the night to fish or hunt snapping turtles. He squirrel hunted. He played cards. He stayed sharp with crossword puzzles and, more recently, cryptograms.

And while he loved the real-world charm of baseball fields and fishing ponds, Jim had a soft spot for magical worlds, too. In later years, he became a devoted Harry Potter fan—listening to the audiobooks, watching the movies, and even building the Lego sets. He once visited Universal Studios just to walk through the Wizarding World, as wide-eyed as any child. He also had a gentle, creative side. He took up woodworking and crafted all the crosses displayed by the Oblong VFW for Veterans Day, including a special one for his daughter Sally’s church. His generosity of spirit showed up in unexpected places—like the years he spent driving the Amish, or the day he gifted several of his fishing poles to Amish children, lighting up their faces with pure joy. From time to time, he stepped into the role of Santa Claus—bringing cheer to his daughter’s classroom and to the Lawrence Crawford Association for Exceptional Citizens, where his warmth and kindness made the season a little brighter for everyone.

He loved retirement for the time it gave him with his siblings and family. He country-cruised. He played cards. He visited often—but, true to form, was usually the first to leave family get-togethers. Still, he left every gathering better than he found it. He was grace and goodness embodied, and the echo of his life will ring on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Darlene McCoy, James “Jimmy” Hightshoe, Jr., Gina & William McIntyre, Frank Hightshoe, Oralee & Joe Winterrowd, Sally & Jeff Weales, and Wendy Hightshoe & fiancé Rob Salee; by his grandchildren, Zachary & Donna McCoy, Ethan McCoy, Emilee & Philip Garner, Jade Hightshoe, Garrett & Katie Winterrowd, Calvin Weales, Crosby Weales, Grayce Hightshoe & Samuel Quick, and Drake Tohill; and by his great-grandchildren, Stacie McCoy, Ryan McCoy, Dwaine Garner, and Norah Garner. He is also survived by the mother of his children and caretaker, Martha Hightshoe, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Hightshoe and Sarah Ethel (Beel) Hightshoe; by his many siblings; and by his grandchildren, James Wesley and Nevaeh Grayce.

A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Bro. Rick Catt officiating. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.

Burial will be in Hutsonville Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the combined units of the U.S. Army, Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, Robinson American Legion Post #69, and Flat Rock American Legion Post #132.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robinson V.F.W. Transportation Fund, with envelopes available at the funeral home.