James Henry Starks, 95, of Taylorville, passed away at 5:47pm on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. He was born on September 28, 1925 in Taylorville, the son of Roy Manville and Garnetta Marie (Kuntzman) Starks. On September 28, 1949, he married Margaret Sharon Rhodes in Taylorville. She preceded him in death on April 3, 1986. Jim was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy, proudly serving aboard the USS Celeno. Jim proudly boarded the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in May 2013 with his granddaughter, Jordan. After getting married, Jim and Sharon moved to California where he was in the construction industry. After moving back to Illinois, he worked and retired from Peabody Mine #10. In retirement, he drove cars across the U.S. for Trinity Motors and others, as well as worked for the Fair Board every spring and fall taking in boats and RVs. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the V.F.W., all in Taylorville. Jim was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking and gardening, and was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs. He also loved to fish, especially fly fishing, having gone to Canada on numerous occasions. He will be remembered by many for his passion for woodworking. Jim was a talented craftsman that completed countless projects including clocks, jewelry boxes, cutting boards, curio cabinets, and cribs, among many other projects. Jim loved visiting and talking with people. Most of all he loved his family, especially his granddaughter.
He is survived by his daughter: Laura Marie “Molly” Durham of Taylorville; granddaughter Jordan Marie Durham (fiancé Nick Geary) of Columbia, Missouri; brothers: Roy Starks Jr. (Dottie) of South Carolina and Robert Starks of Oregon; former son-in-law: Mark Durham of Taylorville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son: James M Starks; sister: Virginia Blanchetti; brother: Thomas Starks; and nephew: Tom Blanchetti.  
Mr. Starks will be cremated, and a memorial service will take place at 11am on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at McClure Funeral Home with Monsignor David Lantz officiating.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Inurnment, with military honors, will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  CDC guidelines will be followed including the use of masks and social distancing.  Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, or V.F.W. Post #4495 in Taylorville. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Jim, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.