AVA - James B. Wentworth, Jr., 70, of Ava, passed away at 2:38 pm, Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. James was born in West Frankfort, Illinois on September 25, 1943, the son of James B. and Dorothy Mary Duve Wentworth, Sr. He married Sandra E. Williams on October 15, 1976 in Vienna, Illinois. He was a member of the Illinois National Guard from 1965 until 1971. He was a Specialist 6 Class. He attended Vandalia, Illinois High School, college in Rolla, Missouri, the FBI Academy University of Virginia, and he taught at John A. Logan. James retired after 32 years in the Illinois State Crime Lab in Carbondale, Illinois as a Forensic Scientist. James was the operator of HAM Radio, KA9SHY; and the owner and operator of Dixie B.B.Q in DeSoto, IL. He enjoyed the outdoors, canoeing and sailboats. He also enjoyed cooking, woodworking and was a pool expert. James was a photographer and fingerprint technician. James is survived by his wife, Sandra Wentworth of Ava. He was a great father to four boys, Mike Williams, Mark Williams, Robert Williams and Russell Williams. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 2 great granddaughters; one brother, Jeffrey Wentworth of Vienna, IL; one sister, Susan Wentworth Winters of Altamont, IL; several nieces and nephews; special cousins, Donald and Luanna Rhodes; and his childhood friend, Dr. Robert Shively. James was preceded in death by his mother, his father and his grandparents. Upon James' request, his body was donated to Science. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Pate Chapel Baptist Church in Murphysboro, Illinois with Rev. John Pitchford officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 10 am until 3 pm with lunch at the church. To sign the guestbook visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net. The preferred form of remembrance is a contribution to a Love Fund for the Family.