James “Jim” R. Van Natta, 71, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Watseka, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at his residence. He was born on October 5, 1951 in Peoria, son of Robert O. and Marie (Fischaupt) Van Natta. Jim married Catherine P. Sack on January 7, 1972 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Surviving are his wife, Cathi Van Natta of Bradenton; three sons, Matthew (Christy) Van Natta of Portland, Oregon, Neil Van Natta of Urbana, and Aaron (Kelsey Graber) Van Natta of Champaign; his loving granddaughter, Freyja Van Natta of Portland; one sister, Karen Vakinov of Clarksville, Tennessee; and a special nephew, Kirk Ruff of Tucson, Arizona.

Jim worked for 43 years for their family owned and operated Quality Supermarket in Watseka until his retirement in 2013. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the Watseka Lions Club, the Watseka Elks, and Shewami Country Club. Jim served on the First Trust and Savings Bank board of directors for 16 years, retiring in 2019. He currently served on the Iroquois Title Company board of directors for the past several years.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Jim Harkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with graveside military rites by the American Legion Post 23.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Watseka Lions Club or the Watseka Public Library.

Please share a memory of Jim at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.