James "Jim" Edward Yantis

James “Jim” Edward Yantis, 79, of Decatur, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, in Vonderlieth Living Center in Mt. Pulaski, IL with his wife, Julie, by his side. 

Jim was born on December 7, 1943, in Shelbyville, the son of Morris and Ruth (Martz) Yantis.    Jim married the love of his life, Julia Burcham on April 3, 1966, in Lovington, and they were blessed with 56 years of marriage.  He retired from Caterpillar after 40 years of service and then drove for Marie’s Tours and Charters in Bethany for many years.  He was a member of the UAW Local 751 in Decatur.  Jim was an avid bowler, for over 50 years, and rolled several 300 games.   He was also a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, who also enjoyed playing cards, visiting with coworkers over a cup of coffee, watching baseball and softball games and wintering in Florida with Julie for many years.  Jim made it apparent that his family was his priority. His wife, children and grandchildren were his absolute pride and joy, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.     

He leaves behind his loving wife, Julie Yantis of Decatur; daughter, Brenda (Tim) Rothrock of Bethany; son, Jim (Kendra) Yantis of Cumming, GA; five grandchildren:  Ariel (Dylan) Short of Mattoon, Bella, Connor, Collin and Brody Yantis of Cumming, GA; three great-grandchildren:  Kinley, Keller and Charley Short, of Mattoon; three brothers:  Morris (Ronda) Yantis Jr., Roy (Cathy) Yantis and Danny (Linda Cody), all of Findlay; sister, Patty (Dave) Brooks of Findlay and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Alex Rothrock.

The Yantis family would like to thank the Vonderlieth Living Center staff for taking wonderful care of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather for the past four years.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Shelbyville.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial in Findlay Cemetery will take place at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the Vonderlieth Living Center, 1120 N. Topper Drive, Mt. Pulaski, IL 62548 or the donor’s favorite charity.  Lockart-Green Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" Edward Yantis, please visit our floral store.