James A Funk

James Arthur Funk, 77, of Washington, passed away Friday, July 5, 2013. Born July 27, 1935 in Peoria, Illinois to George and Catherine (Spring) Funk, he married Marlene Reents on July 26, 1959. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Marlene; three sons, Dr. Todd Funk (Barb Price) of Washington, IL, Dana Funk (Trish) of Tulsa, OK, Derek Funk (Michelle) of Canyon Lake, CA ; six grandchildren, Gabe, Caylie, James, Tayler, Hailey, Ashley; sister Peggy Willhardt (Den) and brothers-in-law Gary Reents (Linda) of Peoria and Stan Reents of Arizona. Jim received his Bachelors of Science degree in Education from Western Illinois University in 1957 and his Master?s Degree in Educational Administration from Bradley University in 1965. He began his career as an Educator in 1957 in Westmont, IL where he taught Math & Civics and performed as Head Coach of an intramural sports program he created. He then took the position of Principal and Superintendent at Central Grade School until 1962. In 1962, he took a Principal position at District 50 Schools. In 1983, he then became Superintendent until his retirement in 1991. Jim was an active member of the community and involved with many associations. He served as Chairman of the Washington United Fund Drive, Chairman of the Industrial Survey Committee for the City of Washington, Member of the Youth Guidance Council for the City of Washington, Chairman of the Tazewell/Mason Counties Public Law 94-142 Planning Committee for the handicapped, Member of the Advisory Board of Big Brothers and Sisters (Central Illinois), Chairman of Tazewell County Superintendents? Legislative Committee, Chairman of Tazewell County School Calendar Committee, Member of the Advisory Committee for the Administrators Academy, Member of Illinois Assoc. of School Administrators and Superintendents Roundtable of Central Illinois, Developed and served as moderator for Bradley University Educational Television Program on the first "Earth Day", served on various panels and as a speaker for Bradley University, ISU, and Washington Township Teacher Institutes. Jim loved spending time outdoors as an avid fisherman and shared his passion with family and friends. He also enjoyed golf, hunting, tending to his garden and especially cherished time with his children and grandchildren. Jim was a kind and wonderful husband, loving father, and friend to all who knew him. In accordance with Jim?s wishes there will be no visitation and funeral services will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, July 10, at St. Mark?s Lutheran Church, 200 S. Main St., in Washington. Because of his lifelong dedication and love for children, he would like memorials to go to St. Jude?s, Easter Seals or St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in Washington.