J.B. Painter Obituary (1925 - 2015)

J.B. Painter, 89, of Rockton, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. J.B. was born in Franklin County, Tennessee on December 24, 1925, the son of John A. and Berdie L. (Brazier) Painter. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a gunner on a merchant marine ship in all three major theaters of war, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. Following the war, J. B. moved to Rockford, Illinois where he met and married the love of his life, Joyce E. Arnold on June 29, 1952. He was co-owner of The Miss Rockford Diner for several years and then worked as a cook at several area locations including The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club in Rockford and The Wagon Wheel in Rockton. Later, J.B. became a security guard for the Barber-Colman Company where he stayed until his retirement. He spent his retirement years swinging his grandchildren on a tree swing, giving them rides on his lawnmower, and picking homegrown fruits and vegetables for them to enjoy. J.B. and Joyce loved going to garage sales and bartering, because “you should never pay what they’re asking.” J.B. was a talented musician who taught himself to play the guitar when he was a child and his love of music was evident throughout his entire life. He went on to teach himself how to play a mandolin, bass, ukulele, harmonica, and many other instruments. He could often be seen carrying his large stand-up bass to local Bluegrass jam sessions. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed. The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to his loving neighbors Jerry and Donna Hubble, Brenda Farrell, and Fran and Jo Castro for all the help they gave J.B., without which he would not have been able to remain in his home. God bless you all. J.B. is lovingly survived by his daughters, Debra (Kirby) Campanella and Lynda (Daniel) Shipley; beloved grandchildren, Angela Elke, Kaela (Tommy) Churchill, and Connor Shipley; several nieces and nephews; and grand doggies, Olivia and Molly. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brothers, Wilson, Thomas, and Audrey Painter; and sisters, Alma Lee Wagner and Clydith Marlin. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 23rd, 2015 at McCorkle Funeral Home – Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, Illinois with Pastor Lisa Abb of First Congregational Church, Roscoe, Illinois officiating. Burial will be in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, 6202 Charles Street, Rockford, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. To share a memory or send an on line condolence, visit www.mccorklefuneralhome.com