James "Mac" McDowell, 66, of Parkersburg, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at U of L Health Mary and Elizabeth Hospital. Mac was born on August 2, 1955 in Olney, Illinois, the son of Rev. Lowell McDowell and Marie (Ridgley) Patterson. He married Kathy Knust on April 12, 1974 in Calhoun, Illinois, and she survives.

Mac was a loving husband, son, father, and most importantly, grandfather. He worked as an oilfield machinist for many years after retiring from IL Central Gulf Railroad. Mac was a member of the Walnut Grove Church, West Salem Masonic Lodge, Rolling Thunder #3, and Widow Sons (Ruffians Chapter). Mac enjoyed morning coffee at Ridgley Farms and going to garage and rummage sales. He took pleasure in spending time with his family and camping in Cave-in-Rock with his wife, Kathy. His quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by all those that knew him.

Mac is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathy McDowell of Parkersburg; son, James M. McDowell and wife Shari of Parkersburg; daughter, Jessica K. Wells and husband John of Lawrenceville; mother, Marie Patterson of Olney; grandchildren, Aidan and Kayleigh McDowell, Brian, Matthew, and Britton Wells; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and sister, Patricia Sue McDowell.

A visitation for Mac will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2022, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney. A funeral service for Mac will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 14, 2022 at Walnut Grove Church. Interment will follow the service at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to West Salem Masonic Lodge, Walnut Grove Church, or Rolling Thunder IL #3.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL – February 9, 2022