Wayne James Obituary (1939

(John) Wayne James of Mansfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital. Wayne was born on January 13, 1939, to the late Dorthy and Wilbur James. He was a member of the fifth generation on the family farm and took his role as steward of this legacy seriously. He graduated from Mansfield High School (Class of ‘57) and served in the US Army before returning home to farm with his father. As times changed, he found a sense of purpose serving the community as a Certified Life Insurance Underwriter and Estate Planner. Later in life, Wayne completed his BS in Education at ISU and embarked on his dream job--traveling the state of Illinois teaching astronomy at schools using a Starlab portable planetarium. He was a member of the Champaign Urbana Astronomical Society, taught astronomy at Parkland College, and hosted hundreds of students over the years at his backyard dark-sky observatory on the family farm. He is well-known for inventing “Paper Plate Astronomy”, a hands-on and intuitive tool to help students learn the movements of the planets and stars. Wayne had a deep curiosity about the world and had many interests including photography, woodworking, sailboat racing, genealogy, running, and music. For many years he led a Boy Scout Troop. He was a member of the first Presbyterian Church of Monticello, where he served as an elder and sang in the choir. Wayne was a member of the Illinois Walnut Council and a member of the Champaign Urbana Woodturning Club. Wayne and his wife Vickie would have celebrated their fiftieth anniversary this year. He is survived by Vickie; his sisters--Diane (Max) Howe, Sharon (Stan) Heitz, Susan (Rod) Hahn; children--Lynn James, Rob (Jennifer) James, Beth (Bee Emily) James, Meghan (Jason Nolan) James, Johanna (Pete Heinz) James-Heinz, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Wayne was a wonderful storyteller and had a special gift for making everyone feel like family. Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life this summer. Memorials can be made to WILL Illinois Public Media.