Jim Liddell

James "Jim" Liddell, 94, of Sturgeon, Missouri, died peacefully on April 1, 2026, in Arlington Heights.

Jim was born in Chicago on July 27, 1931, to parents James and Gertrude (nee Hybke) Liddell. After his mother's death he was raised by his grandparents until his father's marriage to Christina Bresters. He met Suzanne Shaw while attending the University of Illinois. After their marriage and two years serving in the army Jim and Sue settled in Decatur, IL He worked for Mississippi Valley Structural Steel (later Debron) for 25 years, forming friendships that endured several moves. As a Professional Engineer he worked in St. Louis, MO, where he retired from Debron, Six moves later he settled down in Williamsburg, VA for 28 years.

Jim was physically active all his life. He was a runner in college, In Decatur he played handball regularly, traveling to tournaments across the country. He continued running with son Robin. Then moving to Wichita he ran short races, 5 Ks and 10Ks preparing him for a Marathon at age 53. One was enough. Jogging, bicycling and golf kept him fit in Williamsburg. Bridge lessons and weekly games replaced golf in his 90's.

Through the moves Jim and Sue were active in many churches. Jim asserted he was on every committee in the Woodland Chapel Presbyterian Church, Decatur, except the one to move his membership to St. Louis. He taught adult Sunday School, Bible School, was an Elder. In Williamsburg his men's prayer group was a highlight of his week. Since Sue sang in the choir Jim's role on Sunday mornings was to accompany widows in the congregation. In Sunday School he always had a joke to start off the lesson. His dry sense of humor never failed him.

Vacations were family camping trips, visits to extended family and his favorite theme park, Silver Dollar City where The Homestead Pickers reigned supreme. He also loved jogging (walking) on the beach on ocean vacations. But every day we sat on the front or back porch in Williamsburg was a mini vacation. Family get-togethers included card games.

He loved holidays. We had flags for every occasion, many Christmas trees and a couple we kept up all year to change the theme. He dressed up at Halloween for the trick or treaters. He was a people person.

He cared about his community and contributed to charities such as Tunnel to Towers, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Jude in addition to Walnut Hills Baptist Church in Williamsburg. He rang the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas and volunteered at a Homeless Shelter.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Sue Liddell, his children, Robin (Susan) Liddell, and Joanne (the late Dave) Rotert, his grandchildren, Collier, Evan, Rachel, Kellen (Rita), and Casey, and his great-grandchildren, Cali, Leo, and Ozzy,

He was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Liddell, and his son-in-law, Dave Rotert.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2 p.m. to time of Funeral 2:30 p.m. all at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 S Dundee Ave, Barrington, IL 60010.

Burial to be held the following week at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.