- Date Of Birth: March 8, 1939
- Date Of Death: February 22, 2022
- State: Illinois
James David Byus, 82, of Jacksonville, IL, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022.
David was born in Jacksonville, on March 8, 1939, to Morris L. and Frances Hankins Byus. His sister, Beverly Marchiero of Mascoutah, survives. David married LouAllyn (Coumbes) Byus on February 12, 1983, and she survives. David was a meticulous carpenter and painter, an accomplished Water and Sewer Operations Superintendent, and the absolute best husband and life partner a woman could ever have.
He was father and loving cornerstone to a large family–Daughters Susan Byus, of Sweet Water, TX, Cathy Byus of Springfield, IL, and son Michael Stanley Byus, of Jacksonville.
He played an important role in the lives of his entire family: Sister-in-law Anita Yakle (husband John, nephew, Joseph Yakle); Grandchildren Jamie Dwyer, of Ponchatoula, LA, Brendan and Bailey Stanley, of Quincy; Great-grandchildren Kaylie Deffes, Tatum Deffes and Jameson Deffes of Ponchatoula, LA; and Nephews Jeremy Coumbes and Nicholas Stanley, Great-Nephews Evan Coumbes and Jack Coumbes of Jacksonville.
David and his partner built homes in Jacksonville early in his working life. In July of 1975, he was appointed Superintendent of Water and Sewer Operations for the City of Jacksonville. He served the City until his retirement May 5, 2006. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the rehabilitating of the Ranney Collector Wells in Naples; moving the raw water line for the construction of the IL Route 67 interchange; supervising construction of a new sewer plant; and the standpipe water tower on Massey Lane.
In 1983, he and his wife purchased a farm in Brown County. He spent his retirement years farming, hunting, fishing, and playing in the creek and on the trails with his grandchildren. He and his family gardened and canned their own vegetables, and enjoyed fish, turkey and deer meat to eat. He was happiest at the farm and with his family.
