James R. White

James R. White, 76, of Sandwich, IL, passed away at home on May 30th, 2023.  James was born on January 1st, 1947 to Ray and Jane (Bowe) White.  Jim grew up on a farm in Oswego, IL and attended all 12 grades and proudly graduated as an Oswego Panther, Class of 1965.  After graduation Jim started working at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Aurora.  In January of 1966 he was drafted into the United States Marine Corp and was shipped directly to Vietnam serving 2 years and returning in January of 1968.  Caterpillar welcomed Jim back and he retired in 2014.

Jim spent most of his adult life living in Aurora, IL.  Shortly after Vietnam, Jim started training in the Martial Arts at the YMCA.  This would become a huge part of Jims life spending the next 50 years training, teaching and officiating Martial Artists of all ages, all over the Midwest.  Sensei White, also known to many as “Sensei Nice”, continued to contribute to the Arts until his passing, ending his career as an 8^th Degree Black Belt.  Master White loved working at Caterpillar and teaching Karate and if he wasn’t at one, you would find him at the other.  Jim was always good for a smile and an encouraging word.

In his later years Jim moved to Sandwich, IL.  He attended Harvest Chapel and loved to read his many books and listen to music of all kinds.  Even as his health started to decline, he still enjoyed the Martial Arts by sitting and watching classes at Dojo Dynamics and occasionally putting his uniform on for promotions, celebrations and special occasions. 

Jim was survived by his brother, Bob (Brenda) White of Punta Gorda, FL, many nephews, nieces and cousins that all loved their Jim very much continuing, to shower him with phone calls, cards, texts and visits until the end.  Jim also left an everlasting impact from his kindness with everyone he ever met including those that he worked with and trained with.  Two of those were Scott (Becky) Francis, Martial Arts Brother, Marine Brother and Friend and Bobbie (Dan) Stein, Martial Arts Student of Jims and Faithful Friend who cared for him until his passing.  

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anne White.  He also lost his schoolmate, Mentor, Friend and Martial Arts Instructor Tom Heriaud.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom Heriaud “No Student Left Behind” Scholarship Fund at www.dojodynamics.com or may be mailed to Dojo Dynamics at 131 S. Wells St., Sandwich, IL, 60548.  Sensei/Master James White never turned a student away that could not afford because he knew the value and importance of the Martial Arts and wanted to help provide this opportunity for generations to come.

A Family Funeral service will take place on Sunday, June 4th at 2:00 with Military Honors.  Visitation will be held immediately afterwards from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Beverage Funeral Home located at 104 Terry St, Sandwich, IL 60548.  Burial will be at a later date at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Aurora, IL.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com