James H. Jarnagin

James H. Jarnagin

(December 5, 1941 – May 21, 2022)

James Hal “Jim” Jarnagin , 80, of Tower Hill, Illinois passed away at 11:36 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022 in his residence.

Jim was born on December 5, 1941 in Springfield, IL, the son of Hal Wentworth and Leah Bell (Carter) Jarnagin.  He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1960 and then attended electronics school in Chicago, IL.  Jim worked at Oak Terrace in Pana, IL in the maintenance department.  He was a member of the First Christian Church in Shelbyville, IL.

Jim was an avid golfer and bowler.  Later in life, wood working became his passion which he shared with his wife, Doris.  J & D Crafts started with clocks, plaques, ornaments, and other handmade wooden items.  The last 25 years he was known as “The Cross Man”, creating a variety of wooden crosses sold locally and across the country.  His prized work was a 4-foot cross created for a church sanctuary in Decatur.  Many strangers have received a pocket cross while shopping or eating out when handed to them by a man who says, “Thought you might need this.”   The last of his pocket crosses have been sent to children of Honduras through a local preacher on a mission trip.

Jim is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Doris (Spindler) Jarnagin; three children, Scott (Patty) Jarnagin of Shelbyville, IL, Donna (Tim) Vick of Camden, TN and Dan (Kelly) Simpson of Fort Branch, IN; eight grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Jarnagin; sister, Sally Rezinas; son, Tim Jarnagin; and great granddaughter, Alaina Nicole Jarnagin.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, no services will be held.   Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Cancer Center in Mattoon and mail them to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565.