James Keith "Rastus" Harris (64) of Willow Hill

James Keith "Rastus" Harris, age 64, of Willow Hill, Illinois, passed away at 4:45 PM Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. 

Funeral services celebrating Jimmy’s life will be held at 1:00 PM – Monday, February 7, 2022, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Rick Britton officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Newton, Illinois, with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM – Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the funeral home. In loving memory of Jimmy, memorials may be made to the Jasper Post #20 American Legion – Christmas fund for Veterans. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

James Keith, better known as “Rastus” or “Jimmy” was born on June 26, 1957, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Virgil Carl and Barbara Joan (Rogers) Harris. He married Betty Reeves on August 26, 2000. Jimmy served his country in the United States Army from 1977 until his honorable discharge in 1980. Jimmy was a current employee of Nucor Skyline Steel in Newton as C and C operator, where he has been for over 20 years. Jimmy was a member of the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Jimmy is survived by: Wife of 21 years – Betty Harris of Willow Hill, Illinois; Children – Matthew Harris of Newton, Illinois; Michael Harris of Willow Hill, Illinois; Travis (Liz) Baker of Stewardson, Illinois; Norman (Sara) Baker of Park Raids, Minnesota; Christopher Baker of Newton, Illinois and Douglas Baker of Effingham, Illinois; Siblings – Dale (Sue) Harris of Newton, Illinois; Cheryl (Kevin) Mesnard of Cleveland, Tennessee; Lynn (Lloyd) Beccue of Edgewood, Illinois; Jodi (Eddie) Higgs of Mason, Illinois and Kenny (Annie) Harris of Effingham, Illinois; 13 Grandchildren.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Danielle Harris and two sisters Carol Headlee and Mary Ann McCoy.