Paul James

Dateline: Godfrey

Paul E. James, 81, passed away at 5:03 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Health Center with his family by his side.

He was born on April 24, 1937 in Decatur, IL the son of the late Robert Nelson and Sara (Moffett) James.

Paul married Carolyn Freeman in Harrison, AR. She survives.

He was a member of the Main St. Methodist Church in Alton. He coached basketball at Maroa, Forsyth and Mt. Zion where he also taught Government and History. Paul was in the Illinois Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. He looked forward to his Tuesday lunch outings with his friends, Cardinal’s baseball games and Bilikins basketball games.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three children, Robert James (Howard Grothe) of California, Diane McAdams (Clark) of Weatherfield, CT, Teena Funk (Rich Read) of Godfrey; one sister, Joanna Sue Franklin (Ken) of Tallahassee, FL; four grandchildren, Shannon Castellanos, Jennifer Ahrens (Eric), Nathan Gerdes (Kristin), Donny Funk; eight great grandchildren, Adrien, Andrew and Alexander Ahrens, Kaylee Mitchell, Julien Castellanos, Blake and Beau Gerdes and Evelyn Funk; a niece, Melissa Franklin; brother-in-law, Gerald Clyde Freeman (Janice).

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by an infant brother.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. until the funeral service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at Main St. Methodist Church in Alton with Pastor Tim Pate officiating.

Memorials may be made to Main St. Methodist Church in Alton.

An online guestbook may be found online at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home