James Scott Gustafson

James “Gus” Gustafson, Age 79, of Morton, formerly of East Peoria and Washington, passed away on November 17, 2016 in Washington. Jim was born in Peoria on April 3, 1937 to Clarence and Ruth Gustafson. They preceded him in death. He married Lynda Zinn April 18, 1959 at First Methodist Church of East Peoria. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years; two daughters, Jamie Powers of Slidell, LA and Jill (Mark) Mattern of Morton; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Lewis) Mallory of Phoenix, AZ, Ryan (Stephanie) Hillis of Peoria Heights and Claire Mattern of Morton; two great-grandchildren, Adalynn and Annabelle Hillis of Peoria Heights; and his sister, Nancy (Jack) Gould of Gridley. He graduated from East Peoria High School in 1955. He was a talented athlete receiving letters in football, basketball and track. He attended Western Illinois University on a football and academic scholarship, lettering four years in football. He graduated in 1959 from WIU with a BS degree in Education. Later, he received a MA degree in Administration from Bradley in 1959. He also attended graduate school at Illinois State University. Jim was a teacher and administrator of education for 35 years. He began his career in education teaching and coaching at Creve Coeur Grade School for four years. In 1963, he became a teacher and later administrator for Peoria District 150. He taught at Kellar Central Jr. High School in 1963 and became acting principal that year. He served as principal of Kellar Central Jr. High and Kellar Elementary from 1964-1986. He became principal at Hines Elementary School in 1986 until retiring in 1994. He enjoyed working with students, faculty and parents and had many fond memories and accomplishments during his years as a principal. He was an educational leader who inspired both students and faculty to achieve, to do their best and achieve their highest potential. Gus was a high school football and basketball referee for 10 years. He was a member of the Peoria Area Officials Association. He always enjoyed being involved in all types of sports. He was also an Iron Worker who taught apprenticeship classes for 15 years. Jim fought a difficult fight against rheumatic arthritis for 33 years and seldom let it get him down. Following retirement, he enjoyed dinner each month with other retired district 150 principals. He also loved traveling and visiting with friends and family. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria for over 50 years. Memorials may be sent to CENTRAL ILLINOIS RIDING THERAPY (CIRT), 305 Neumann Dr. East Peoria, First United Methodist Church of East Peoria, or to a charity of donor’s choice. According to Jim’s wishes, cremation has been accorded, arrangements by Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria, 154 E. Washington St. in East Peoria on Saturday, November 26 at 4:00 p.m. with a visitation from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

James Scott Gustafson

April 3, 1937 - November 17, 2016