James Mize
Alhambra |
James Alvin Mize, age 70 of Alhambra, IL, died Sunday August 11, 2024 at his residence in Alhambra, IL after a battle with cancer.
He was born on January 19, 1954 in Litchfield, IL, the son of Alan and Wynema (nee Hartley) Mize Sr. Jim grew up in Bunker Hill, IL and graduated from Bunker Hill High School, class of 1972. He was previously married twice before marrying Dawna Rose Otto on September 14, 1979 at Salem UCC in Alhambra, IL. They had two children together, Andrew and Amanda, and three grandchildren, Edward, Vincent, and Danica. Jim and Dawna also had many “adopted stray” children over the years.
Jim had a lifelong love of old tractors, restoring many for himself and others, and brought many old steel wheels back to life, welding new rims on them. He also had a love for motorcycles, especially old Hodakas. Jim spent his career driving semi-trucks and trailers, hauling grain, steel, and for much of his career, chemicals for Air Products. He even got to deliver fuel for the space shuttle. After retiring from Air Products, Jim also worked for the Alhambra Township for several years.
Jim enjoyed driving the “band van” for his son’s band, Exit 30, in the late 90’s/early 2000’s and the music they played. He also loved the band, Yes, taking Dawna to a Yes concert for their first date. It was a quick romance. They met in June of 1979 and were married in September of that year. No, she wasn’t pregnant; however, their son Andy was born exactly nine months and one day after their wedding. Jim had a quick wit and a mischievous personality like his father. First, and third rule of the Mize Family Handbook is don’t trust anything Jim says. No one remembers what rule number 2 is. But at the core of him was a big heart and a great man, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alan D. Mize Sr. (04/27/03) and Wynema H. Mize (11/29/05), his in-laws Vernon F. Otto (11/17/19) and Barbara J. Otto (12/05/94), and his sister JoAnn Shipton (10/19/10). He is survived by his wife Dawna R. Mize; children Andrew J. Mize (Jennifer) and Amanda H. Mize; his grandchildren Edward J. Mize, Vincent J. Mize, and Danica E. W. Mize; his siblings Alan D. Mize Jr. (Vickie), Kathy L. Jones (Jack), Jeri A. Dauksch (Wade), John A. Mize Sr., and brother in law Joe Shipton (Dena); and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra, IL.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Alhambra Fireman & Legion Park in Alhambra, IL.
Memorial Service will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Alhambra Fireman & Legion Park in Alhambra, IL.
Memorial contributions, In Lieu of Plants and Flowers, can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Chidlren, Salem UCC Cemetery Fund, or the National Rifle Assoc.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
