James “Bernie” Curtis, 90, of Pontiac passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in Rockford. He was born September 17, 1934 near Forrest, Illinois, a son of B.R. and Elma (Bigger) Curtis and they preceded him in.

 

Bernie married Donna Dexter on March 28, 1953 and she survives.

 

Also surviving are his children, Connie of Pontiac and Douglas of Bloomington; one step-grandchild, Ashley of Delaware; siblings, Ernest (Norma) of Gilman, Kenneth (Sandra) of Calvert City, Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews.

 

Preceding him in death were a sister, Betty Andrews, a brother, James, a sister-in-law, Doris and a brother-in-law, Erwin Andrews.

 

Bernie was a member of the Pontiac Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Donna, were owners and operators of Pontiac Greenhouse and Flower Shop for 55 years. They also owned flower shops in Gilman and Watseka for several years.

 

Bernie loved working with flowers and was very active in his community. He was president of the Illinois State Florists’ Association and inducted in the Association’s Hall of Fame. He received the Lion’s Club Testimony of Appreciation for his service as president for nine years.

 

Visitation will be on Monday, June 30, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Danforth Reformed Church in Danforth. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. also at the church with Rev. Donald J. MacDonald III officiating. Burial will follow in the Danforth Cemetery.

 

Memorials may be made to the Danforth Reformed Church.

 

Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman is handling arrangements.

 

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