James, age 68, of Chillicothe, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Jim was born on December 26, 1956 in Peoria, IL to Elbert J. and Joan (Taylor) Duckworth. He married Cheryl J. (Kirkpatrick) Farwell on August 18, 2018.

Surviving are his wife, Cheryl; his father, Elbert; his daughters, Heather Myers of Chillicothe, IL and Jennifer (Andrew Garrett) O’Neil of Hopedale, IL; three grandchildren, Amelia, Charlie and Jasmine; his siblings, Richard Duckworth of Chillicothe, IL and Cheryl Duckworth of Chillicothe, IL; his nephew, Mike (Dawn) Duckworth of Indianapolis, IN and many wonderful cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan and his sister-in-law, Wanda Duckworth.

Jim was a proud, life-long farmer. He loved to farm and play cards. He was a member, former and current President of the Peoria Casting Club and a member of the Chillicothe Lions Club. Jim was a gentle giant; he was the kindest person you’d ever meet and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Cremation rites were accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to Community Needs Agency because Darlene Kumpf does such amazing things for our community with those funds. Arrangements are under the care of Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe.