James Mclenahan

James A. McLenahan, 91, of Freeport, IL, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Winn Prairie in Freeport. He was born on August 23, 1932, in Freeport, the son of Milton and Christina (Bleymeyer) McLenahan. Jim graduated from Freeport High School in 1951 and joined the Navy shortly thereafter, becoming a four-year veteran during the Korean War. He served on the USS Leo AKA-60 and USS Wyndham Bay CVE-92 in the Pacific Fleet. On February 4, 1956, he married Barbara Vickrey in Freeport, and they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Barb passed away on October 8, 2023.

Jim was employed within the Micro Switch division of Honeywell for many years, before working for and retiring from Modern Plating as a night shift supervisor. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he gave communion and served as an usher. He enjoyed cooking, watching his grandchildren play sports, tinkering with mechanical devices, reading, joking around, and spending time with family. He could always be found with a smile on his face and a cup of coffee in his hand.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Kelley (Robert) Untersee of Freeport and Kim (Robert) Witwer of Phoenix, AZ; brother, William (Norma) McLenahan of Freeport; three grandchildren, Elyssa (Alex) Zajeski, Matt Witwer, and Kevin (Meghan) Witwer; two great-grandchildren, Kendra and Kyler Witwer; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and three sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. A visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service. The burial of cremated remains will be at Calvary Cemetery in Freeport. A memorial has been established in James’ memory. The family would like to thank FHN for their Support Care and Hospice services. Kelley and Kim send their sincere gratitude to everyone at Winn Prairie for their care and compassion while truly making Jim part of their family.