James Wilburn "Jim" Seets Obituary (1940 - 2018)

James Wilburn "Jim" Seets, 77, of Mansfield, Illinois, passed away Saturday, October 6, 2018, at Le Roy Manor, Le Roy, Illinois. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at the Mansfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Ed Davis officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at the church. Services will also be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2018, at Reed Funeral Chapel, Harrisburg, Illinois, with the Rev. Jerry Wells officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2018, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery, Harrisburg, Illinois. Everyone is invited to bring a special story or memory of Jim to share during the services. Memorial contributions may be made to Dutton Chapel Cemetery Fund. Local arrangements are being handled by Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Mansfield, Illinois. Mr. Seets was born December 3, 1940, in Rosiclare, to Bluford and Mary Rose Seets. He married Shirley Ann Bennett on May 19, 1962, in Harrisburg. She survives in Mansfield with their Yorkshire terrier, "Willy" Seets. Jim and Shirley lived in Golconda until September 1969, when Jim's work in wildlife research with IDNR resulted in a move to central Illinois to the main offices of the Natural History Survey's Wildlife Research Department, located on the University of Illinois' Urbana campus. Jim thrived on his work and enjoyed a successful career until he retired on July 1, 2000. On the day Jim transitioned to his heavenly home, Shirley shared her thoughts: "Jim and I have been privileged throughout our lives to meet many good people who have become lifelong friends. When I reflect on our 56 years together, God's plan for us has become increasingly clear. Our lives have been truly enriched by the family and friends that God has put in our paths from birth to today. And I know that Jim is enjoying the rewards now."