James W. "J.D." Deen

IN MEMORY OF: James W. “J.D.” Deen Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois James W. “J.D.” Deen, 76, of DeSoto, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville. J.D. was born on December 11, 1947 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to George James Wesley and Wanda Jean (Boyer) Deen. He married Bonnie Smith and she survives. J.D. served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era from 1968-1969 in the 9th field artillery regiment quartermaster unit, driving a fuel truck. He earned an associate’s degree in Industrial Maintenance from JALC in 1978. J.D. worked as an EMT for the Jackson County Ambulance Service for 10 years, he was one of the first First Responders. J.D. also was a fireman, carpenter, over the road truck driver for oil and chips, boilermaker out of Local 363, was a welder-TIG, overhead, arc, and mig, and was a member of the Teamsters. He was a 10 year Storm Rider with many beloved brothers and sister, past and present. J.D. had a knack for touching lives and in earlier days seemed to have nine lives that often left us shaking our heads in disbelief. He had a heart of gold along with wisdom, gentleness, respect for others and a man of solid convictions, his love for adventure never wavering. A brother and father-in-spirit to countless through the years. The day Bonnie came into his life brought J.D. a huge family and brought him full circle with family. He loved his family. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Deen; children, Tonya Thomas, Heather (Carl) Lange, Nikki (Gary) Peterman, and Sunni (Brad) Thrasher-Lewis; 10 grandchildren, Austin, Bobby, Gavin, Hayden, Brandi (Jake), Devin, Shawna, Garrett, Mariah (Nick), and Seth; great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Nora June, Brady, Asher, Trevor, Magnolia, Saydi, Ian, Quinn, Elinor, Kiya, Saryah, Tyson, Tyler, and Ja’Nah; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Wanda Sue (Dave) Biggs, and Patty Chapin. A visitation will be on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. Military Honors will be performed at 7:00 PM by the National Guard and Jackson County Veterans. Inurnment will be at a later date at DeSoto Cemetery. Memorials may be made to any local area veteran’s group of a charity of the donor’s choice.

James W. "J.D." Deen

December 11, 1947 - May 6, 2024