ROCHELLE — James Curtis “JC” Withers, 81, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 at his home in Rochelle. JC was born on Aug. 12, 1940 to William and Gladys (Bratcher) Withers in Berea, Kentucky. In Sept. 1966, he married Bettie Ruth Fosdick in Rochelle. She preceded him in death on June 7, 2016.

After growing up in Big Hill, Kentucky, JC moved to Rochelle at the age of 15, where he started working for Del Monte Foods.  He continued his career working for Swift Foods (eventually becoming FDL Foods/Dubuque Packing, Hormel Foods and finally Rochelle Foods). After undertaking many roles and developing numerous skills during his career, JC retired from Rochelle Foods in 2008.  

Known for his hard work ethic and dedication to friends and family, he spent his retirement years with his wife, son and grandchildren, meeting every morning with friends at McDonald’s, working on a newly acquired recreational property, hunting, fishing and just being in the great outdoors. He was a constant thinker, doer and a problem solver, and used those skills to help friends and strangers figure out the best way to go about and complete a project, whatever it may be.

His family saw JC as loving man of many skills and an excellent “micro-manager,” which of course can be a blessing and a curse to those closest to him. At the end of the day, the highlight of JC’s life, was the time he spent with his family and especially with all of his grandchildren.

JC is survived by his son, Jim (Lauren) Withers of Elk Grove Village, Illinois; daughter, Shelley Withers of Galesburg, Illinois and step daughter, Marybeth Criddle of Rochelle; sister, Billie Marie (Walter) Miller of Lexington, Kentucky; eight grandchildren: Michael Withers, Daniel Withers, Alyssa Withers, Mia Withers, Tiera Myler, Chad Myler, Cory Myler and Taylor Myler.

A memorial visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Ave., Rochelle.  The memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Gregory Hoffmann officiating. Burial will be at Flagg Center Cemetery in Flagg Center. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.