James Byron DeHaven, 81, of Urbana passed away at 5:45 P.M., Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, with a two hour visitation prior to service.

Byron was born on March 26, 1932 in Visalia, California to parents James Roger and Odelia Cecilia (Heinz) DeHaven, they preceded him in death. On April 15, 1950 Byron married Betty Rush and together they had seven children. She passed away on January 6, 1994. On October 9, 1999 he married Carolyn Schultz Bretzlaff in Urbana, she survives. Also surviving are five children, James "Jimmy" DeHaven of Urbana, Joe (Brenda) DeHaven of Muncie Indiana, Susan (Robin) Stout of Mahomet, David (Linda) DeHaven of Urbana and Leslie (Mark) Goodwin of St. Joseph, ten grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, four step-children, Kyle Bretzlaff and Kurt Bretzlaff, both of Lakeland Florida, Kara (David) Preston of St. Joseph and Katie (Eric) Bloom of Villa Grove, eleven step-grandchildren, seven great step-grandchildren and two brothers, Jules DeHaven of Camp Verde, Arizona and John N. DeHaven of Urbana.

Byron was preceded in death by two sons, William DeHaven, Dennis DeHaven and two brothers, George Edward Wilkins and Jean DeHaven.

He attended St. Mary's Catholic School and University High School. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Urbana and belonged to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He also enjoyed giving his time to help with the Annual Cellar to Garrett Sale at St. Patrick's Church-he loved the electronics room! Byron worked for the University of Illinois South Garage for nine years, then he worked as a Steam Distribution Operator there for over thirty years. He also worked at Bender's Mattress Factory for fifteen years.

He was a very generous giver to many charities and helped many people. Byron's grandchildren loved their grandpa and had many loving names for him. He is going to greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews in Byron's name.