James E. Doonan

James E. Doonan, 93, of Aledo, formerly of Reynolds, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at, Brookstone of Aledo. He made sure to tell his family he was "going home to his father's house". 

Funeral services will be 11 am Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Edgington Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Edgington, Ill.  The family will greet those in attendance at the conclusion of services.  Burial will be private at Edgington Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of Edgington Cemetery Association or Edgington Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Reynolds, is assisting the family.

James was born in Reynolds, Illinois on April 23, 1928, a son of Elmer J. and Mildred R. King Doonan. He graduated from Reynolds High School in 1946. On July 7, 1945 he met a cute little dance hall girl named Luella Hessman, at a dance in Buffalo Prairie and he went on to marry her on December 7, 1947 at Edgington Presbyterian Church. Jim and his "sweetie", Luella were married for 73 years.

James retired from farming in 1977.  He went on to work for the Quad City Metropolitan Airport as the Field Maintenance shop foreman for 15 years.

James was a member of the Edgington Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the Mississippi Valley Mechanic Association and the Livestock Feeders Association.  He chaired several boards including the Rock Island and Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation Districts as well as sat on the Rock Island County Rural Development Board.

Jim enjoyed tinkering in his shop, carpentry, his tractors, and most of all; spending time with his family. He loved reminiscing about the "good ole days" and never lacked the ability to share stories. He loved sharing homemade ice-cream, Luella's chocolate chip cookies, and a big slice of chocolate cake with vanilla frosting.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 73 years, Luella; sons (and spouses), Steven K. (Pamela) Doonan, Wichita, KS, Denis J. (Shelly) Doonan, Aledo, Ill. and Mark E. (Stephani) Doonan, Reynolds, Ill.; grandchildren, Nichole Wistedt, Jackie (Seth) Turner, Jamie (Kristen) Doonan, Ashleigh (Brandon) Minick, and Andrew Wistedt; great-grandchildren, Daleen (Zeke) Palmer, Luke and Jalyn Turner, Hadley (Lane) Weinert, Logan and Hunter Wistedt, Brody and Kelsey Doonan, Gunner and Spencer Minick; a great-great-grandson, Warrick Palmer and another great-great-grand daughter on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William and Edwin; and sister Martha York.

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James E. Doonan, please visit our Tree Store.