Jim Fortune, 90, was born in the family home on August 16, 1934, in Ridge Farm, IL to Russell and Clara Ellen Fortune.

He married the love of his life, Betty Johnson, on Aug. 16, 1958. He always remembered their anniversary. Betty preceded him in death on December 17, 2019. They enjoyed sixty years of marriage.

Jim and Betty owned and operated Jim’s Sugar Island, a carhop style restaurant, in Clinton. It was a happening place for folks of all ages. It was later Brandy’s Restaurant.

Jim graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1952. He graduated from Indiana State Teachers College (ISU) in 1956. While at college, he played shortstop on the baseball team.

He served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard in the late 50’s and early 60’s.

Jim was an educator, coach, businessman, and farmer.

Thousands of students were taught and coached (football, basketball, and track) by Jim as he taught at Perrysville High School, Wallace High School, and Cayuga High School. He was principal/superintendent at Scottland and Shiloh high schools in Illinois.

Anyone who knew Jim knew that he loved life and anyone he met to the fullest. He enjoyed dancing at Wallace and going to ISU basketball and baseball games. He was a season ticket holder for ISU basketball for over seventy years. Jim thoroughly loved visiting with friends at home and abroad.

Jim loved all genres of music as evidenced by the playlist on his phone with well over 200 songs. He surely danced to some of those while listening.

His grandchildren, Cole, and Lauren were the joys of his life. He rarely missed their sport events and school activities. He was especially proud of recently being promoted to a grand grandpa to Tatum.

Jim is survived by daughters, Candy (Scott) Kerestes of Westfield, IN and Brenda Peck of Clinton; grandchildren Cole Kerestes of Nashville, TN and Lauren (Connor) Schmok of Westfield, IN and great grandson Tatum Schmok.

A celebration of life/visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7th from 4:00-7:00 PM (EST) at the family farm located at 2179 E 700 S, Dana. Look for the white tent. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 8th at 2:00 PM (EST) at Wayside United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Friends Chapel Cemetery in Scottland, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization that reminds you of Jim or to one of the following entities in Jim’s memory. Parke Vermillion Humane Shelter—Jim loved his pets-- at www.mypvchs.org or mail to PVCHS, P.O. Box 293, Newport, IN 47966.  Jim served his country-- Ernie Pyle & Veterans Memorial Park project at www.erniepyle.org or mail to Ernie Pyle WWII Museum, P.O. Box 345, Dana, IN 47847. Jim loved ISU athletics; to donate www.givetoindianastate.org with designation: Athletics. He rarely missed an event of his grandkids who are alumni of Fountain Central High School; to donate, a check can be sent to FC Athletics and mailed to Fountain Central H.S., 750 E. US Hwy 136, Veedersburg, IN  47987.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.fristfuneralhome.com.