James Vernon "Jim" Worrell

James Vernon "Jim" Worrell, 85 of Keokuk died Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. He was born June 15, 1931 in Clark County, MO the son of Harlan and Helen Toops Worrell. On January 20, 1962 he was united in marriage to Shirley Shaffer in Memphis, MO. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Penny Oakes (Wes) of Grand Junction, CO and Trinette Winn (Mike) of Keokuk, two sons, Wes Worrell (Stephanie) of Boise, ID and Rickie Haage of Keokuk, eight grandchildren, Nikki Oakes (Gabe) of Grand Junction, CO, Crystal Selders (Kyle) of Grand Junction, CO, Audrey Worrell of Boise, ID, Christian Worrell of Boise, ID, Michael Winn of Cedar Rapids, IA, Colton Winn (Cami) of Keokuk, Chad Worrell (Sara) of Montrose, IA and Travis Worrell of Sutter, IL, seven great-grandchildren, two nieces and his beloved cat, Socks. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Rex Worrell, one grandson, Tommy Oakes and one sister, Velva Percival. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served in the Korean Conflict as a Master Sargent. Jim had been employed at Hubinger/Roquette in Keokuk as a foreman in the refinery for twenty-seven years until his retirement in 1991. He later began working at O'Riley's Auto Parts in Keokuk as a delivery driver. Jim was a member of New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk, where he and Shirley were head of hospitality, small group Bible study, Barnabas Men and D-Group Men's Bible Study. Jim and Shirley were also members of the Circle Square B Square Dance Club in Wever, IA. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed many hobbies and activities including fast pitch softball. Jim was very well known throughout the area for his pitching. Batters from all over feared facing Jim's pitches. Jim also bowled two nights a week for teams at the Arrowhead Bowl and Ten Pin Bowl. He has over twenty trophies for high scores and bowling tournaments. Jim enjoyed wood working, making multiple wood crafts and small furniture. He traveled throughout the area displaying and selling his wood crafts at craft and vendor shows. Jim loved the Lord with all his heart and shared the love of Christ through a cross ministry. Jim made wooden cross necklaces out of cedar and gave them away. Jim's crosses have made their way around the world including the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Canada and Austria. Jim made over 15,250 crosses and gave them all away. Jim adored his family and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Jim will be greatly missed and continually loved and remembered by all who knew him. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2017 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Pastor Jason Mott and Brother Bill Hauser officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk.