Obituary for James "Jim" R. Herbert
James “Jim” R. Herbert, 98, of Winnebago, died Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at his home. He was born on a plantation in West Point, MS, the son of John Arvid and Edna Elin (Blomberg) Herbert. Workers there nicknamed him Cottontop because of his white-colored hair. His family eventually came to Illinois where he graduated from Winnebago High School in 1940 and married Elaine L. Knott in 1944. With only a team of horses, they began farming and milking cows. As their success grew, Jim looked to the active promotion of dairy products as he served as a member of the board of directors of the Mid-West Dairymen’s Company, National Milk Producers Association, Illinois American Dairy Association, Illinois Milk Promotion, Chicago Milk Foundation, Lakeshore Federated Dairy Association, St. Louis District Dairy Association, National United Dairy Industrial Association.
He also served on the boards of Town & Country Mutual Insurance Company and the Metro Center in Rockford. He was a charter member of the Westfield Grange and the Winnebago Community Historical Society. Other memberships included the Winnebago County Farm Bureau, Winnebago Community Council (Fourth of July Parade Committee) and Westfield Community Center. Jim enjoyed spending his winters in Palmview, TX where he made many friends and stayed active playing cards and socializing.
Nephew Dennis Herbert (Debbie) and sons Corey (Stephanie) and Adam (Katie) provided invaluable support in working the Herbert farm while Jim enjoyed retirement. Many will remember Jim’s ability to tell stories about his experiences.
Special thanks to Mercy Home Health Hospice and especially his in-home caregivers who became family. They laughed and enjoyed him, played games and loved him as much as the rest of us.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Janet (John) Verhaar, Wendy (Mike) McElmeel, Jeri (David) Mothkovich and grandsons, Shane McElmeel and Christian Mothkovich, along with a niece and nephews
Jim is predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Elaine (Knott) Herbert; wife, Mable (Maring) Herbert; grandson, Dylan James Van Cura; brother, Howard Herbert; sister, Marie Herbert.
A memorial visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. Cremation rites accorded with private interment at Willwood Burial Park in Rockford. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for the Winnebago Community Historical Society. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
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He also served on the boards of Town & Country Mutual Insurance Company and the Metro Center in Rockford. He was a charter member of the Westfield Grange and the Winnebago Community Historical Society. Other memberships included the Winnebago County Farm Bureau, Winnebago Community Council (Fourth of July Parade Committee) and Westfield Community Center. Jim enjoyed spending his winters in Palmview, TX where he made many friends and stayed active playing cards and socializing.
Nephew Dennis Herbert (Debbie) and sons Corey (Stephanie) and Adam (Katie) provided invaluable support in working the Herbert farm while Jim enjoyed retirement. Many will remember Jim’s ability to tell stories about his experiences.
Special thanks to Mercy Home Health Hospice and especially his in-home caregivers who became family. They laughed and enjoyed him, played games and loved him as much as the rest of us.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Janet (John) Verhaar, Wendy (Mike) McElmeel, Jeri (David) Mothkovich and grandsons, Shane McElmeel and Christian Mothkovich, along with a niece and nephews
Jim is predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Elaine (Knott) Herbert; wife, Mable (Maring) Herbert; grandson, Dylan James Van Cura; brother, Howard Herbert; sister, Marie Herbert.
A memorial visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. Cremation rites accorded with private interment at Willwood Burial Park in Rockford. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for the Winnebago Community Historical Society. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Memorial Visitation
Wednesday
27
Oct
4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Genandt Funeral Home
602 N. Elida St.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Cemetery Details
Location
Willwood Burial Park
7000 W. State St.
Rockford, IL 61102
Memorial Contribution
Winnebago Community Historical Society
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