James L. "Jim" Stout

James L. "Jim" Stout, 80, passed away January 5, 2023, at his home. Direct quote: “I told you I was sick!” Jim was born August 9, 1942, in Sycamore IL to Ben and Kate (Strachan) Stout. He was raised in Burlington IL and bought his childhood home from his dad. The most moving he ever did was from the upstairs bedroom to the downstairs bedroom. Burlington was his primary residence for his entire life. In his youth, Jim was always hunting, fishing, and walking around town getting into mischief. He graduated from Burlington Central High School in 1960 where he met his future wife, Janice. They were married on April 18, 1964, and had three sons, Michael, Jeffery, and Jonathon. Jim started working as an apprentice carpenter, and later worked at Westway Construction in St Charles building homes in the greater Fox Valley area. Later he worked for Lamp Construction. In Burlington he was formerly a village trustee, and currently on the Park District board. Jim was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Burlington. He was in the Kishwaukee Archery club, and Rockford Sportsman Club. Making great friends in both clubs. As an avid boater, Jim loved to be on the water in his motorized boats, his canoe or homemade kayak. Always hunting and fishing with friends and family. Jim enjoyed spending his retirement years at his cabin in Oregon IL on the Rock River, and at his winter home in Estero, FL. Making lifelong friends in both locations. Details are sketchy, but he is rumored to have once wrestled an alligator into submission. Jim loved to pull off a good prank. Frequent prank targets were his construction coworkers including Lumpy and the cleaning gals, his lifelong friend Larry Becker, neighbors in Florida, and Tracy Hartje. Jim loved animals and was well known to vigorously pet almost all dogs he encountered. Jim was a lover of salt and made most of his decisions by either spinning his knife or pulling ballots out of a hat. He was a former Mason and Lion. Jim was the cornerstone of his family and would do anything to entertain his grandkids. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janice; sons, Mick (Dee) Stout of Kingston, IL; Jeff (Candi) Stout of Plato Center, IL; and John (Debbie) Stout of Algonquin IL; 3 grandchildren, Kate, Abi, and Colton; and his sister Marge (Willard) Lenschow. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shirl (Art) Getzelman of Hampshire, IL; his brother Bud (LaVonne) Stout of Burlington, IL; and numerous spoiled pets including dogs Susie, Eric, Barney & Morgan. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 11th, from 3-8 PM at the United Methodist Church, 195 E Center St. in Burlington and will continue on Thursday from 10 until the 11 AM. Funeral Service with burial to follow in the Burlington Union Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed and can be watched by clicking on the video tab at 11am Or this link https://evt.live/james-stout Lunch afterwards at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Burlington Methodist Church or the Park District.

James L. "Jim" Stout

August 9, 1942 - January 5, 2023