James Hollis Toynton passed away on August 10, 2024. Memorial contributions in his name will be placed in the James & Clarice Toynton Scholarship Endowment Fund.
From the obituary:
James Hollis Toynton passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024 at the Pearl of Orchard Valley. During his last days he was surrounded by family and friends.
Jim was born in Genoa City, WI, on October 10,1938 to William K. and Gertrude Lent Toynton. He graduated from Genoa City High School; LaCrosse State College, LaCrosse, Wisconsin; and with a master’s degree at U of I at Champaign, IL.
On June 16, 1962, Jim married Clarice Forde at Southwest Prairie Lutheran Church, Viroqua, WI.
Jim’s career in education started at Frank Hall School, Aurora, IL, the year it opened in 1960.He was the sixth grade teacher and coached all of the intramural sports. After achieving his master’s degree, he had in internship as Assistant Principal at Smith Elementary School. He was the principal at Nancy Hill School for ten years and then went to Frank Hall School as its second Principal in 1994. He loved his years at all of his schools. His staff was a great support as were the PTA’s. Fund raisers were a great way for everyone to be involved. Even after retiring he continued to connect with staff and students.
Jim had always wanted to start a business. In 1995 Gert’s Custom Blind and Shade was started out of his home. At the beginning it was strictly cleaning blinds. Then we started selling blinds and shades. Since Jim was a detail person, measure twice order once was a great motto.
Through charity work and community involvement, Jim was able to give back to the community. Jim was a charter and active member of Aurora Evening Lion’s Club. He initiated Keeping Indian Trial Clean. He was involved with Salvation Army Advisory Board and continued for several years to coordinate the bell ringing for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. During the aftermath of Katrina, Jim and Clare traveled to New Orleans and served food on the Aurora Salvation Army Canteen. A very humbling experience. He also was involved with the Aurora Area Retired Teachers Organization.
Jim was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. His faith was very important to him. Even when traveling it was very important to find a place to worship.
Of course, Jim loved to travel. Initially it was camping, then cruises, bus trips and car trips. Since he loved maps, he mapped out each road trip. He especially enjoyed taking trips with Ed and Collette, his sister, after they moved to California. Green Bay Packer games, Cub games and a Baseball Bus trip to the East Coast were some highlights.
Besides traveling, he loved to play golf, joined a bowling league and had a personal trainer. March trips to Arizona involved hiking among the saguaros and always a Spring Training game at Sloan Park. Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon was a one of his proud accomplishments.
Family was extremely important to Jim. Memories of card games, croquet games, family reunions, picnics and Fontana family memories on the beach. Jim is so proud of daughters Kim and Jen’s accomplishments. He loved his granddaughters Sarah Angell and Katie Fauth so much and is so proud of all they have done.
Jim is survived by his daughters Kimberly (Bob LeCuyer), Jennifer (Ken) Angell, granddaughters, Sarah Angell (fiancé, Brett Kobel), Kaitlyn Fauth, sister, Collette Rolls, sister-in-law Annette Toynton several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by daughter Rhonda, parents Gertrude and William K. Toynton, Clare’s parents, Nels and Celia Forde, brother William L. Toynton, brothers-in-law John N. Forde, Edmond Rolls and niece Darleen Toynton.
Our family has been surrounded by love since May 1, 2023. The support of family and friends, St Mark’s Lutheran Church and the Staff at Pearl of Orchard Valley has helped us on this journey. During this final journey Suncrest Hospice Care was by our side. God Bless Jim’s memory, and remember his smile!
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 27 S Edgelawn, Aurora, IL, at 9:30 until the service at 11 am. Burial at Lincoln Memorial Park, Aurora, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Or The James H and Clarice G. Toynton Scholarship
Community Foundation, PO Box 4786, Aurora, IL 60507-4786.
Arrangements by The Healy Chapel. For further information please call 630 -897-9291 or visit www.healychapel.com to leave an online condolence.
