It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Rentfrow, 76, of Farina, formerly of Effingham, on March 3rd, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 4th, 1949, in Effingham to Norman and Bernice (Williams) Rentfrow. On May 23rd, 1998, he married Catherine Fields, and they would spend the next 27 loving years making their combined families one.
He is survived by two daughters: Rebecca Rentfrow and Sara Hunley (fiancé Michael Mitchell); three sons: Jason Fields, Corey Fields (Fiancée Alayna), and Josh Hunley; seven grandchildren: Weston, Wyatt, Wayde, Logan, Tucker, Tatem, and Tully; three sisters: Linda Goldstein and husband Ralph, Sandy Schwerman and husband Darrell, and Shelia Rentfrow; sister-in-law: Shirley Quick; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Bernice Rentfrow; brother-in-law, Cecil Quick; and nephew, Ken Schwerman. Joined in death by his wife, Catherine Rentfrow, on March 7th, 2026.
James was a child of God. He was an active member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Farina. James and Catherine were members of Campers on a Mission, an organization of evangelical Christian campers and RVers dedicated to sharing their faith and love for Jesus through various missions. He proudly served in the Illinois National Guard for 6 years. He was a dairy farmer by trade and enjoyed everything that it entailed. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and making holiday baked goods with his grandsons and siblings. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
A funeral service for James and Catherine Rentfrow will be held Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at 11:00 am at the First Southern Baptist Church in Farina. There will be a time of visitation from 10:00 am till the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Farina Cemetery with military rites for James. A time of visitation will be held on Friday, March 13th, 2026, at the Church from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Campers on a Mission or First Southern Baptist Church of Farina. They will be accepted at the services or at Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home, PO Box 97, Salem, Illinois 62881. Online condolences may be left at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Sutherland-Rankin Facebook Page.
