Jim Tinsley, 89 years and 6 months of age, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on January 3rd, 2026, at 8:32 p.m. He was born on July 2, 1936, in Jefferson County, Illinois, to the late Earl and Alta (Correll) Tinsley.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth Tinsley and George Tinsley, and sister, Wilma Jones.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Amy Tinsley and significant other Maurice Jones of Mt. Vernon; son, Bryan Tinsley and significant other Amy Vohlken of Mt. Vernon; grandson, Clayton Tinsley and wife Tori of St. Louis, Missouri; granddaughter, Kyla Tinsley of Mt. Vernon; great-grandson, Nathaniel James Tinsley; sister, Nellie Mellott; brother-in-law, Larry Jones; sisters-in-law, Ruby Tinsley of Mt. Vernon and Judy Tinsley; and several nieces and nephews.
Jim served his country proudly in the United States Army and was a member of the Mt. Vernon American Legion, the American Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam (AMVETS), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). He worked as a gas lineman for Illinois Power Company until he retired in 2002. He was also a member of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed going to horse racing and greyhound racing events with his buddies. He was a big fan of Illinois high school basketball and attended the IHSA State Basketball Tournament every year with his friends, son, and grandson. He always showed up for the monthly men’s breakfast at New Hope Webb Missionary Baptist Church until he fell ill. He loved bragging about his grandchildren’s accomplishments and spending time with his family.
Jim was a devoted father and treasured grandfather and great-grandfather, a dear brother and uncle, and a good friend to many. Jim will be remembered for all he did for everyone who crossed his path.
Funeral services for Mr. Tinsley will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Osborn Funeral Home in Dix, with Alan Smith and Mike Parry officiating. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service, at the funeral home. Memorial gifts may be made to New Hope Webb Missionary Baptist Church or the Ebenezer Cemetery, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.