James Burket Brockett (96) of Effingham

James Burket Brockett, 96, died on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. 

He was born on April 5, 1928 to parents, Amos Cleo and Minnie Florence Woods Brockett.  Jim was raised in Effingham with his older sister, Ruby and 2 younger brothers, Charles and Arthur. From an early age, Jim was an adventurer and rapscallion.  Whether he was joy riding in his dad's Model-T at age 9 or investigating the contents of railroad train cars, Jim always had his eye out for opportunity whether for good or ill.  He loved dogs and the companionship of pals who usually accompanied him on his adventures.  Jim served in the Navy during World War II.  Stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, he maintained the engines of troop transport ships.  He was proud of his service and during later years, could often be seen wearing his Veteran-labelled ball cap.  While home on leave, Jim swept Mary Belle (Babe) Poe off her feet resulting in an elopement to Indiana, a 73-year marriage, and 4 daughters.

Jim held a variety of jobs in his life with highlights including tree service, staff at Johnson Funeral Home, and master plumber.  Those, as well as other jobs and much of his free time, revolved around fixing and building, including the family home in the early 1960s in Funkhouser.  It seemed he could repair just about anything whether mechanical or structural.  Jim was also a collector for most of his life and at different points, he collected coins, guns, and knives.  He immersed himself in whatever his current collecting passion was and enjoyed the knowledge surrounding his collected items.

Although hot in temperament, in later years, Jim's softer side could surprise and delight his daughters as he both relied on and provided care to Babe.  Her loss on February 6, 2022 was a continuing sorrow and even when surrounded by family, he sometimes continued to seek her presence. 

Jim is remembered with love by his daughters Mary Kathyrn (Kathy) Shirley (George) of Dieterich, Debra Hall of Rockmart, GA, Jerry Hosking of Carrboro, NC, and Peggy Heal (Loren) of Neoga; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Belle Poe Brockett; parents; siblings; and son-in-law, James Hosking.

True to his nature of always leaving and arriving early, even at the end, he left us a day early without waiting to reach the full third anniversary of Babe’s passing.  He just couldn’t wait any longer.

His loved ones give thanks to God for the blessing of his life and joy in the knowledge of his resurrection.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham with Pastor Jeff Michael of Christ’s Church officiating.  Burial will be in Ewington Cemetery in Effingham with military rites.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the Effingham County Humane Society (https://effinghamcountyhumanesociety.org/donate/), K9s for Warriors (https://k9sforwarriors.org/financial-donation/), or Christ's Church at 2511 S. Veterans Dr, Effingham, IL 62401.