James “Jay” B. Wittenborn

James “Jay” B. Wittenborn, 67, of Chester, Illinois, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Chester.

Born on June 9, 1958, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to the late Charles and Evelyn Wittenborn, Jay married Lisa Stirnaman on August 18, 1979. He worked as a food supervisor at Menard Correctional Center in Chester until his retirement. A longtime member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, he also belonged to the Knights of Columbus #3790 and the Eagles Club Aerie #3252 in Chester. Jay cherished his family above all, finding great joy in time spent with his grandchildren. He loved being outdoors and was an avid fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Wittenborn of Chester; daughters Erica (Kent) Brookman of Walsh and Shelly (Brett) Mueller of Columbia; grandchildren Nolan Brookman, Maegan Brookman, Mylee Mueller, and Alex Mueller; brothers Dennis (Dava) Wittenborn of Punta Gorda, Florida, Brad (Michele) Wittenborn of Columbia, Missouri, Bob (Susie) Wittenborn of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Andy (Lee Ann) Wittenborn of West Lafayette, Indiana, and Pat (Joyce) Wittenborn of Oak Ridge, Missouri; sister-in-law Linda (Bill) Lynn of Chester; aunts Eileen Hamilton and Mary Racine of St. Peters, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Delbert and Marcella Stirnaman, and his sister-in-law Rhonda Wittenborn.