James Whitnel

James E. "Jim" Whitnel, 74, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Cypress, Illinois, passed away Friday, April 20, 2018, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Aug. 7, 1943, in Cypress to Almus Glen and Juanita Stewart Whitnel. He and Rosanna "Rosie" Dotson were married June 15, 1963.

Together, Jim and Rosie owned and operated J.E. & R. Construction Inc.

Jim attended Cape County Cowboy Church in Oak Ridge.

Loving survivors include his wife of nearly 55 years, Rosanna, of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Billi (Shawn) Taylor of Cape Girardeau and Bobbi (David) Palmer of Cape Girardeau, and their daughter, Morgan Anne Morris of St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Jim's life Sunday at Cape County Cowboy Church in Oak Ridge. The family will receive visitors at 3 p.m. At 4 p.m., in keeping with Jim's wishes, there will be a time of sharing memories, ham sandwiches and Diet Cokes.

Jim explicitly instructed memorial gifts take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please, no plants or flowers.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.