.Sadly, James Baskerville passed away on Feb 9th.
James P. Baskerville died Monday, February 9 at home in Manhattan. Born March 14, 1944, Jim was a lifelong farmer, raising grains, hay, and cattle. The son of Walter and Elsie Kestel Baskerville, he and his sisters grew up on the family farm that his grandfather purchased in 1892. Jim married Mary Whitler in 1981, and they raised four children: Ann, John, Luke, and Megan. John married Melissa Martino, and they are the parents to Jim’s grandchildren: Charlie, Michael, and Teddy. Serving in the United States Army during the 1960s, Jim returned home and became active in Manhattan American Legion Post 935. He served as the post’s chaplain and commander, and for many years as the Boys State chair. He also represented Post 935 on the Veteran’s Assistance Commission and remained the chaplain for the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Support Committee through January of this year, helping to spearhead the work to fund and install the statue of President Lincoln at the cemetery.
Jim also conducted many services at the cemetery as a member of the Honor Guard squad. Summers saw Jim looking forward to the first cutting of hay, the Will County Threshermen’s Show and the Will County Fair.
Baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he became a lifelong member, serving as an usher, reader, and Eucharistic Minister. Jim also worked for the Manhattan Township Highway Department and as a young man enjoyed working at the EJE Railroad in the data processing department.
Jim is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and sisters, Ruthann Baskerville and Joyce Baskerville. Jim’s value of family meant he loved keeping in touch with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family gatherings were cherished as were special holidays with his cousin, Margaret Kennedy Benoit and her family, Bill and Beth, and the family gatherings and Christmas Eve traditions at the Whitlers. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Elsie Kestel Baskerville and a little sister, Louise, who passed in 1950, as well as cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation for Jim will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4-8:00pm at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day, Friday, February 13, 2026, beginning with prayers at the funeral home at 11:00am followed by procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Manhattan for 11:30am Mass of Christian Burial.
Interment with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, will take place at 1:00pm. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.
The Manhattan American Legion Post 935
WEB- www.americanlegion935.com
EMAIL- info@americanlegion935.com