David Lee James

David Lee James was born to Lee Wayne James and Oma May (Tanner) James on April 6, 1952. He married Marilyn Pitcher on November 15, 1968, in St. Charles, Mo. Dave passed away on April 20th, 2026.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday June 6, 2026, at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup. A Celebration of Life service will follow at Aten Cemetery, Hidalgo, IL.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Travis (Heather) James of Toledo, IL, sister Kay (Randy) Etnire of Charleston, IL. David had several special grandchildren: Janna Shaffer, Braden Shaffer, Dreyton (Nicole Katz) Ruholl, Alaska Ruholl, and Alyssa Yocum, and two great grandchildren, Waylon Shaffer and Arya Ruholl, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Dave was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister Ruby June (Roger) Edwards, Brother Darrell Wayne, nephew Tim Edwards, and three stillborn children. 

Dave worked at Mac Oil Co. at a very young age then Standard Oil at Greenup and Woodbury. He graduated from Cumberland High School and took many classes through LakeLand College to transition from plant worker to design engineer at Blaw Knox in Mattoon, IL. 

Dave always enjoyed building things from his two years of building trades at Cumberland to helping on his parents’ home, even making a ramp for his mom with assistance from brother-in-law Randy Etnire, sister Kay, and wife Marilyn. Dave enjoyed playing guitar and singing. His uncle Charles Tanner taught him. His favorites were Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. Dave, Marilyn, and Travis had many trips to sightsee and visit relatives to many states. Dave rooted for the Chicago Bears and the Illinois Fighting Illini and enjoyed going to games or watching on TV.

Dave was a member of the Harmon Chapel south of Jewett and attended Clubhouse Church at Clermont, FL. for many years. 

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to Harmon Chapel 4458 E 2000th Avenue, Montrose, IL, 62445. 

Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com

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