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Obituary of James S. Spurgeon

Princeville - James S. Spurgeon, 90, of rural Princeville, died at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2005 , at Heritage Manor, Chillicothe , where he was a resident for the past two years.

Born April 25, 1914 , in Aline, OK, the son of Christopher and Florence Mitchell Spurgeon, he married Lois Wilcox on August 13, 1937 , in Stronghurst , IL .

She survives, along with 1 son, Michael (and Judy) Spurgeon of Princeville, 2 daughters, Vickie (and Robert) Wahlbrink of Athens, IL, and Julie (and Doug) Janssen of Fort Myers, FL, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, and 1 brother, Cecil (and Marie) Spurgeon of Wichita, KS.

He worked all of his life as a professional farrier, specializing in natural and corrective horse shoeing. An accomplished horseman, he was a charter member of the Illinois State Stock Horse Association (ISSHA), where he served as president for eight years. He also served as a horse show judge in Stock Horse shows as well as 4-H events for many years. He was instrumental in the passing of the Stallion Law resulting in the production of excellent bloodlines, strong bone structure, and confirmation (shape & form) in present-day horses.

For the past 35 years, he served equestrian interests with the State of Illinois , and most recently participated on the State of Illinois Park and Conservation Committee. He was responsible for developing trails in Jubilee College State Park , and promoting fundraisers for the well water and facilities for the equestrian campgrounds at Jubilee College State Park . He was also credited with creating the trails to protect trees and wildlife in the park. In 1998, he was honored with the naming of James S. Spurgeon Equestrian Area of Jubilee College State Park.

He was a member of the Department of Conservation and SCORP (Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan).

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2005 , at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home. Rev. Harry Losey will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Manor Activities Department, or to First Presbyterian Church.

Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home (Joe Hott) 309 385-4414