Leroy Emmett James

(1935-2006)

Leroy Emmett James, 70, of Emden, Illinois died at 4:55 P.M. Thursday January 5, 2006 at St John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.  He was born October 26, 1935 in rural Manito, Illinois to Emmett and Clara (Leinweber) James.  He married Vera Schmidt August 31, 1958 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church rural Manito, Illinois, she survives. 

He is survived by 3 daughters; Lisa (Rich) Dierker of Groveland, IL, Lori Watson of Naperville, Illinois and Leann (Todd) Knollenberg of Rockton, IL; 5 grandchildren: Kristin and Kayla Dierker of Groveland, IL, Tommy and Michael Watson of Naperville, IL and Lauren Knollenberg of Rockton, IL; 2 brothers Harold T. (Jean) James and Eugene E. (Dianna) James, both of San Jose, Illinois.  Mr. James is preceded in death by his parents. 

Mr. James was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and American Legion Post #506 in Emden. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Mason County Farm Bureau. He was a farmer in Tazewell, Mason and Logan Counties all his life and also worked from 1961 to 1968 as the Parts Manager at Truman Woll and Sons Implement Co. in San Jose. He was a member of the 1953 graduating class at Forman High School. After high school, he served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army overseas in Germany. 

Mr. James was an avid gamesman who loved hunting, fishing, sports and music. He loved being with his family and grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden on Sunday, January 8, 2006 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Monday, January 9, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. also at his church. Rev. David Hofer will officiate. 

Memorials may be made to his church, The Lutheran Hour, or to the Emden Fire and Rescue Squad. 

Hurley Funeral Home in San Jose is in charge of arrangements.