James Ernest Seaton

Ecclesiastes 3: “ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”

James (Jim) Ernest Seaton, life-long farmer, began his first day in the golden fields of Heaven at 4:53 a.m. on July 12, 2021 at Carle Hospital ICU, Urbana, Illinois.  Jim was in recovery from open-heart surgery.

Jim was born July 4, 1934 to parents Ralph and Lottie (Middleton) Seaton of Danville, IL.  He married Virginia French of Bismarck, IL, on November 21, 1954.  Their children include: daughter, Beckey (Rick) Burgoyne of Danville, IL; daughter, Cyndi (Dave) Lohmoeller of Lafayette, IN; and son, Jimmy (Carmen) Seaton of Danville, IL. Grandchildren include: Brittni (Kent) Mason, Jake (Rachel) Wilson, Cait Lohmoeller, Trey (Ara) Lohmoeller. Great grandchildren include: Liam, Sebastian, Eliza, Forrest, Trenton, Lilly, Hayden, Nayeli, Jackson, Jesse, Logan, Kolton, and Kacie.  Sisters-in-law include: Eileen French, Carole Brown, and Judy Bodine. Brother-in-law: David (Alice) Riegle. His family also included ten nieces and nephews, many cousins, and greats.  He loved and enjoyed celebrating family events, especially the annual Middleton Reunion.   

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, parents; grandparents George and Lillie (Buster) Middleton and John M. and Nellie (Radebaugh) Seaton; grandson, Maxwell Mason, and step-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Foster; Bonnie Riegle, brother-in-laws Byron Bodine and Preston Brown, and special friend Sally Hanson.

Jim attended Lynch Grade School and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1952. He lettered in the sports of basketball, baseball, and track.

Jim was a life-long, career farmer in the Danville area; at one time farming over 3,000 acres of soybeans and corn.  He also raised swine for many years. In his early years while establishing the farm, Jim worked at Olin in Covington, IN.  Jim was recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1961. 

His hobbies included attending/watching the Indianapolis 500 Race, playing/watching basketball and baseball games, and visiting with friends.  The farm’s machine shed included a basketball hoop utilized by many throughout the years.  All were welcome to come shoot hoops on a Sunday afternoon. Jim also loved his pet dogs, allowing them ride with him in the fields during planting and harvest and when he ran errands.  He also had a knack of growing great tomatoes and sweet corn.     

Jim loved the Lord with all his heart; serving within his church and community. As a member of Pleasant Grove Bible Chapel, he served 45 years as a teacher, Sunday School Superintendent for many years, Church Board Member for 30 years, and Choir.  He also was a member of the Danville branch of Gideons, serving as chaplain for 15 years, helping to place Bibles in the hands of many.  Jim was a founding member of the group that established the first Christian Radio broadcast in the Danville area on WIAI, airing on Sunday evenings. Jim worked with the Levin tract ministry for seven years. He also attended Bible courses offered through Edgewood Baptist Church. 

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the many caregivers over the past several years. Special friends Larry Blough, Jim and Sharlene Clark, Joshua Carrigan, Deena, Jammie, and many others that crossed their path and lent a hand. 

Ecclesiates 3: “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 from noon until service time at 2:00p.m. cst at Pleasant Grove Bible Chapel, 3279 East Main Street, Danville, IL.  Interment will follow at Gundy Cemetery, Bismarck, IL.  Grady Funeral Home of Williamsport, Indiana, is in charge of all arrangements.  Memorials in Jim’s name may be given to Pleasant Grove Bible Chapel or the Gideon’s organization. The family requests that you share memories and photos via the online condolence feature on the website.