- Date Of Birth: July 27, 1940
- Date Of Death: December 21, 2018
- State: Illinois
James R. “Jimmy” Isaacson, 78 of Galesburg, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 5:04 PM. Jimmy was born on July 27, 1940 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the son of William and Helen (Hahn) Isaacson.
He married Pat Theobald on September 15, 1961 at the Central Congregational Church, Galesburg. Together they have celebrated 57 years of marriage. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Pat; his three children, Jodi (Charlie) White of Palm Springs, Ca., Jami (Julie) Isaacson of Galesburg; Amy (Jason) Crain of Shell Knob, Mo.; a sister, Beverly Kay of Salem, Oregon; five grandchildren Nick (Amanda) Hyman, Jillian (Tyler) Brackett, Peyton Isaacson, Nolan Crain, Avery Crain; and a great grandson, Nathan Hyman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Fred Dawson; and father-in-law, Phillip Theobald. Jimmy worked as a printer for the Galesburg Labor News for 23 years. He then worked for Wagoner Printing until his retirement in 2002. He coached baseball for the Galesburg American Legion, Knox College, Carl Sandburg College and the Galesburg Pioneers.
He enjoyed coaching young men while teaching life through the game of baseball. Jimmy was one of the charter members for the Galesburg Junior Football League. He was a 1980 Jaycees Man of the Year. He was a member of the 1957 undefeated GHS football team, and he was a two-time Midwest Conference Coach of the Year. He was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and an avid football fan.
He loved to golf. Most importantly, Jimmy was a family man. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren so very dearly. He loved to attend their sporting events and showed great pride in watching his family grow. Rest easy #13, and remember “You Gotta Believe.”
