James Kenneth “Jim” Warren, 78, of Dorsey, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Born on September 3, 1946, in Granite City, Illinois, he was the cherished son of the late Arvee James and Donica “Donna” (Besta) Warren; and beloved grandson of Joseph and Mary Besta.
Jim was a proud graduate of Granite City High School, where he excelled in basketball. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from the University of Missouri Business School. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves as a combat engineer, teaching construction skills to trainees, many of which were preparing for the war in Vietnam.
A testament to his dedication and knowledge, Jim spent 42 years with the National Steel Corporation, later U.S. Steel, retiring as the Director of Business Planning at Granite City Works. Jim loved cheering on his Missouri Tigers and had a passion for corvettes, which he owned too many to count. Whether through work or coaching young athletes, he always provided constructive criticism and positive reinforcement, helping to shape and nurture development.
Affectionately known as “Rabbit,” Jim loved sports and excelled at everything he did, whether it was basketball, baseball, or golf. He was an avid hunter and even crafted his own bows and arrows. Jim was a rock not only for his family, but also for complete strangers, always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, cherished father, dearest brother, and doting uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. His legacy of care, compassion, and love will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Janet (Darakjian) Warren; his stepchildren, Michael Woodruff and Rebecca Ritchie.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Rhonda Kay Ritchie-Warren, of Dorsey, Illinois; his son, Christopher (Katie) Warren, of Troy, Illinois; his siblings, Patricia (Hank) Barnett, Mary Jo (Marcia Wilson) Warren, and Deborah (Curt) Kinney; his stepchildren, Mark (Lisa) Woodruff, Ailie Ritchie, Chance Ritchie, and Levi (Candice) Ritchie; his grandchildren, 1st Lt., Burke Warren, USMC (his fiancé, Gabrielle Kosowski), Campbell Elise Warren, Lindsay Anne Warren, Tessa James Warren, Michael (Brooke) Woodruff, Skye (Aaron) Harmon, James Woodruff, Quentin Woodruff, Walter Woodruff, Grayell Slusher, Graydon Slusher, Adrienne McNeish, Easton Ritchie, Ava Ritchie, and Ella Ritchie; his great grandchildren, Cadence, Preston, Carter, and Adeline; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Visitation: Family and friends may gather from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Rd., Granite City, Illinois.
Funeral: Services will follow at 12 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, Illinois.
