James Webster "Jim" Wilday

Jim is survived by two sons, Jeff (Martha) Wilday of Springfield and Jay (Sandra) Wilday of Littleton, Colorado. He is also survived by five grandsons, John Wilday of Chicago; Matthew Wilday of Chicago; Scott (Claire) Wilday of Littleton, Colorado; Brett (Evan) Wilday of Littleton, Colorado; and Kevin Wilday of Kansas City, Missouri; and one great grandson, Scott and Claires new son James.

Jim was born in Peoria, Illinois, on October 11, 1922. In 1943, he graduated from the University of Illinois where he met his future wife, Jane Melin, who was a student there as well. On May 13, 1944, Jim and Jane were married in Carmel, California, where Jim was serving in the U.S. Army. In 1947, after Jims discharge from the military, the couple returned to live in Janes hometown of Springfield. Jim soon was hired as an accountant for Myers Brothers department store. Later, he became its Controller, Vice President and Treasurer, and retired from the store in 1980.

In 2013, Jane predeceased Jim shortly after observing their 69th wedding anniversary.

Jim was involved in a variety of civic affairs including service as a board member of the Springfield Central Area Development Association (SCADA) and the Child and Family Service Center. Additionally, he was active in local Republican politics, serving as a member of the Sangamon County Board of Supervisors and of the City of Springfields Public Building Commission. Jim also was a long-serving member of the board of directors of United Savings & Loan. He was a member of the Sangamo Club and of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Jim will be remembered fondly by his family and friends for his good cheer and for being a devoted husband as well as a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Above all, he was always a gentleman and a well-dressed one at that.

A private service and burial is planned at Fancy Creek Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 701 N. 1st St., Springfield, IL. 62781 or Westminster Presbyterian Church, Support and Endowment Fund, 533 S. Walnut St. Springfield, IL 62704.