John R. Godsil

John R. Godsil, 76, of Galesburg, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023 at Allure of Knox County.

John was born on February 4, 1947 in Galesburg. He was the son of James Henry and Mary Jane (Ferraro) Godsil. He married Virginia Cummings in 1967 in East Galesburg. He later married Diane Ramsey in 1989 in Galesburg, together they celebrated 34 years of marriage. John is survived by his loving wife, Diane, at home; children, John A. “Tony” Godsil of Galesburg, Jason (Stacey Shaner) Godsil of Kewanee, Brian (Tiffany Ellison) Godsil of Galesburg, Kaitlyn (Jared Cox) Godsil of Viola and Jennifer (Roy) Lamb of Galesburg; eleven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and siblings, Sallie Conlin, Donald Lee (Betty) Godsil and Bill J. Godsil, all of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Kelsey Bunker and brother, James M. Godsil.

John was a veteran of the United States Navy. He graduated from Galesburg High School. On June 26, 1974 he started his career with the BNSF Railroad as an electrician. After 32 years, John retired in 2007. John loved trains. He was a big volunteer with “Operation Stop,” an employee organization that advocated for and provided resources for railroad employees whom were battling issues with addiction. He earned his nickname “Johnny D” from his coworkers by helping deliver donuts to work to promote the message of the organization. John also served on the Board of Directors for the Galesburg Railroad Museum and was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Galesburg. He enjoyed watching WWE and attending his children’s baseball and softball games. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.  

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Funeral service will follow visitation at 12:00 PM. Services will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/hurdhendricks Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory have been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, 120 South Public Square, Knoxville, IL 61448. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com