Robert "Jim" James Starkey

Born January 30, 1948 in Canton to Sylvester and Evelyn (Nichols) Starkey, he married Carol Haynes on July 4, 1978 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Joshua (Beth) Starkey of Dunlap and Dustin (Owens) Starkey of Pekin; five daughters, Cherissa (Justin) Hoffman of East Peoria, Briena Lyn Starkey of Pekin, Tammy Starkey Spokane, Washington, Rhonda (Ron) Thornberry and Carrie Starkey, both of Montana; 16 grandchildren that included Levi, Isaac and Caleb Hoffman and Aurora Starkey; four great-grandchildren; his close nephew, Chad (Sammy) Munson of Pekin; five siblings, James and Billy Colvin, Mary Benda, Joyce Rasmussen and Debbie McLeod; one brother-in-law, George (Rene) Miller of Ohio; one sister in law Susan Devall of Pekin and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jeffery Starkey; one brother, Jerry Starkey, his mother-in-law, Kathlyn Miller; one sister-in-law, Alice Ortiz and three brother-in-laws, Harold,Terry and Harry Haynes.

Also leaving a brother, Robert Miller of Washington and a sister Linda M. of Nevada, two close friends: Danny Gutierrez and Jerry (Tina) Lowe.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp.

In his free time he enjoyed restoring vehicles of all kinds including, dune buggies and motorcycle trikes. He was a member of The Brothers of The Third Wheel. Jim was an incredibly skilled mechanic and earned the nickname “Wizzo” from what a wiz he was at repairs and building innovations. He loved to spend time with his family. He also loved music and playing the harmonica. He was a good friend to many and made new friends anywhere he went, it seemed as if he knew everyone.

Jim owned and operated Starkey’s Used Appliance Pick-Up for many years. He also worked as a truck driver, last working as a Mechanic at David Burling Excavating, Inc. in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Brother Gage Reno will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family of Robert Starkey.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com