October
25,
1937
25,
1937
February
23,
2019
23,
2019
Allen “Darrel” James, Sr. 81, of Okeechobee, FL. passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019 at his home. He was born October 25, 1937 at the family home in Lowder, IL, the son of Earl Ney and Bessie Eileen (White) James. He married Charleen L. Clements on May 21, 1960 in Divernon, IL. Darrel was a proud veteran of the US Navy and served in the Korean War from 1954-1958. He was a retired member of Local 16 Carpenters Union 270 and a member of the Eagles Fraternal Order Post 4509 in Okeechobee, FL. Darrel was a bridge superintendent, over seeing the construction of highway bridges. He was an avid fisherman, taking fishing trips and enjoyed having fish fries with friends and family. He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, enjoyed billiards, card games, bowling, Western movies, books, collecting coins and knives. Darrel also enjoyed hunting small game and mushrooms. His carpentry and woodworking skills were amazing, he lent his expertise to his neighbors and friends when they had projects. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his three daughters, Janet M. (Tim) Bowman of Knoxville, TN, Brenda S. (Kenneth) Lee of Chatham, IL, and Chari L. (William) Boetta of Mineral, VA; his two sons, Allen D. (Judy) James, Jr. of Virden, IL and Darren E. (Lisa) James of Alexander, IL; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; three sisters, Judy Knudson of Girard, IL, Kathy Richardson of Springfield, IL, and Karen Bottoms of Waverly, IL; three brothers, Loyd E. James of Auburn, IL, Verbie R. James of Virden, IL, and Clifford W. James of Okeechobee, FL; one aunt, Alice Bollinger of Girard, IL; many nieces and nephews and beloved little companion, his dog, Jigger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 57 years, Charleen, and three brothers, Donald E. James, William M. James, and Leonard L. James.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 8, 2019 at West Cemetery in Thayer, IL. Memorials may be directed to American Heart Association or the charity of one’s choice. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 Rt 34 W ~ PO Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363
He is survived by his three daughters, Janet M. (Tim) Bowman of Knoxville, TN, Brenda S. (Kenneth) Lee of Chatham, IL, and Chari L. (William) Boetta of Mineral, VA; his two sons, Allen D. (Judy) James, Jr. of Virden, IL and Darren E. (Lisa) James of Alexander, IL; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; three sisters, Judy Knudson of Girard, IL, Kathy Richardson of Springfield, IL, and Karen Bottoms of Waverly, IL; three brothers, Loyd E. James of Auburn, IL, Verbie R. James of Virden, IL, and Clifford W. James of Okeechobee, FL; one aunt, Alice Bollinger of Girard, IL; many nieces and nephews and beloved little companion, his dog, Jigger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 57 years, Charleen, and three brothers, Donald E. James, William M. James, and Leonard L. James.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 8, 2019 at West Cemetery in Thayer, IL. Memorials may be directed to American Heart Association or the charity of one’s choice. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 Rt 34 W ~ PO Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363
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