James Seaney

James "Jim" Seaney, 77, of Robinson, IL, died on May 9, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the family he so dearly loved.

He was born on September 2, 1948, in Evansville, IN, the son of Harold Seaney and Evelyn (Spinks) Seaney. Jim grew up in Evansville and graduated from Central High School in 1967. Those early years helped shape the steady, capable man he would become. He was the kind of person who learned by doing, who was not afraid of hard work, and who could usually figure out a way to fix whatever was in front of him.

That work ethic carried him through every season of his life. After high school, Jim worked for Bunny Bread before serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. During his two years in the Marines, he had the distinct honor of being chosen for the distinguished Marine Corps Security Force Detail at the White House, an assignment that spoke to the trust placed in him. He was honorably discharged from his service, and that pride in having served his country never left him. In later years, he could often be found wearing a military hat, quietly but clearly honoring the country and Corps he had served.

Following his time in the service, Jim worked for a short time in air conditioning before beginning a long career at Briggs Pottery, where he worked for 21 years. When Briggs closed, he kept moving forward, spending the next 20 years as a contractor for two different companies at Marathon. Jim was a hard worker through and through, but he was more than that. He was resourceful, particular, and organized. He loved to piddle, to make use of what others might overlook, and to keep things labeled, arranged, and laid out just so.

On October 29, 1976, Jim married Shirley Hanson, and from that day forward, much of the shape of his life was found in loving her well. His life’s work, in many ways, was lived in complete devotion to Shirley. Not in a way that felt forced or dutiful, but in the beautiful, willing way of a man who delighted in caring for the woman he loved. He picked the first rose bloom from the rose bush each year and brought it to her. He drew her baths. He opened her water bottles. He helped with household chores. He danced with her in the kitchen. These were not grand gestures meant to be seen by the world. They were the daily offerings of a doting husband whose love had become second nature. 

That same faithfulness carried into his role as a dad. Jim was devoted, present, and dependable. He loved his family with tenderness and action, showing up, fixing what needed fixed, doing what needed done, and making sure the people entrusted to his care knew they were safe, supported, and deeply loved.

As much as Jim worked with his hands, he lived with a playful heart. He was funny, adventurous, and full of music. He loved to dance, always seemed to have his iPod playing, and could often be heard whistling, humming, or making up a song for just about anything. Life around Jim had a soundtrack, and much of it came from him.

He also had a gift for making people feel like they belonged. Jim never met a stranger, and once you met him, you were a friend for life. He carried himself with an easy warmth that made people feel welcome, whether they had known him for years or only a few minutes.

Some of Jim’s greatest joy was found in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He teased them, gave them nicknames, watched their games, and even showed up for practices. He walked his grandson Logan to the park, and with his great-granddaughter Emberly, he loved getting down on the floor to play with trains, arranging the tracks and entering into her world. These were not small things. They were the ways Jim gave himself to the people he loved.

Jim also found joy in simple, beautiful things. He enjoyed springtime flowers and took pleasure in arranging the flower pots in front of the house. He loved feeding the hummingbirds, watching them come and go, and finding delight in the small rhythms of the seasons. He simply loved the little touches of beauty that made home feel alive. He enjoyed his westerns and his daily walks at Washington Park, often covering three miles a day. In these ordinary rhythms, Jim showed the shape of a life well lived: faithful, steady, grateful, and full of quiet wonder.

Jim was a man of faith and attended Highland Baptist Church. The life he leaves behind is one marked by service, work, music, laughter, devotion, and love. He will be remembered as a loving, kind, gentle, and humble man, the kind of man whose goodness did not have to announce itself because it could be felt by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Seaney; his children, Angii & Jimmy Heidbrink, Shawn & Aimee Seaney, and Lance & Tabitha Seaney; his grandchildren, Samantha & Zach Hitch, Gaven Heidbrink, Jordyn & Cody Waits, Emma Claire Seaney, Elijah Seaney, Leyton Seaney, and Logan Seaney; his great-granddaughters, Emberly Waits and Violet Seaney; his sister & brother-in-law, Bonnie & Dwain Mullen; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Evelyn Seaney.

A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13th, at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jonathan Titsworth officiating. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Marine Corps, Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, Robinson American Legion Post #69, and Flat Rock American Legion Post #132.

For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children or the Wounded Warrior Project, with envelopes available at the funeral home.