Charles “Calvin” James, 88, of Marion, passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 1:04 pm at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
Calvin was born May 26, 1927 in Carterville the son of Frances Richard and Katherine (Waldron) James. He married Retha Thetford on June 14, 1952 in Piggott, Arkansas. He was a devoted husband and father. Calvin was happily married to Retha for almost 53 years. Family was always important to him.
He answered the call to serve his county during WWII in the Army. Calvin retired as a lineman for CIPS. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #147 and Marion Eagles. He was a lifetime member of the Marion VFW Post #1301 and proudly served as a member of their ritual team.
Calvin loved his grandkids more than anything. They will always remember him playing, fishing and swimming with them at his home on the lake. They were his pride and joy.
Survivors include his;
Son – Kent James and wife Kim of Murphysboro
Daughter – Lana Salzman and husband Bud of Marion
Grandchildren;
Garrett James
Zach James
Emily Murphy
Special lady friend – Andi Norment of Herrin
Brother-in-law – Carl Thetford of Sedalia, Missouri
Sister-in-law – Myrl Upchurch and husband Joe of Marion
Preceded by his Parents, Wife – Retha, two brothers – Edward James and Douglas James, three sisters – Alberta Dawson, Zella Willhight and Zona Chamness, brother-in-law – Charles (Nancy) Thetford, sister-in-laws – Lily Thetford, Ruth (Eugene) Hudgens.
Funeral services will be Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 12 pm at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Marlin Otte officiating. Burial will follow in Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy. Military rites will be presented by members of the VFW Post #1301, American Legion Post #147 and National Guard Flag Detail Unit. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 am until the time of service at the church. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.
For those who prefer memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the church the day of the service or by mail to Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.