Harrisburg, IL – Jimmie Leon Curlee, 80, of Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on December 7, 1941 in Energy, Illinois to the late Frank and Patricia (Armstrong) Curlee.
Jim was a proud and devoted fan to the St. Louis Cardinals.
He is survived by his daughters, Robin Ruitch, Patty Schoonveld (John), Karen Hely (Dennis) and Linda Potyrala (Chuck); his grandchildren, Ricky, Kelly, D.J., Casey, Jaylyn and Shawn as well as his siblings, Mike Curlee and Donna Roper.
Jim is preceded in death by his brother, Danny Curlee.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Phillip Powell says
My sincere condolences to the Curlee Family.
I knew Jim as “Uncle Jim”, one of my Father’s, Chester Powell, best friend in life.
There were many hunting and fishing trips they shared together, many cans of “Old Style” beer, and so many laughs shared together as true friends.
The last trip I remember was a road trip down to Reel Foot Lake.
We camped outside and fished and had campfires and great food!
Unfortunately, being a kid, I wasn’t very good at fishing and didn’t catch a fish the whole trip.
Jim went to the local store and got me an actual “Fishing Trophy” and had the name plate engraved with my new nickname, “Rip O”.
It was 1986, and I was 15 years old.
It was the greatest trip of my childhood!
I still have the trophy 🏆!
I was also able to stay overnight with Jim’s Brother Mike and his wife (I can’t remember her name, maybe “Becky” but she had red hair and was the nicest lady to me ever- they both treated me I was their Son. I never forgot their kindness. I don’t think I have ever slept as good as I did that night, at their house. And they had a very cool Chevy Luv pickup truck)
I remember the trip and Jim, and my Dad, like we were all there yesterday.
I’m so very sorry for the loss of Jim, for your family.
I am confident Jim and Chet are raising some hell, up in heaven.
With very much love,
Phillip Powell