Daniel J. James' Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Dr. Daniel Joseph James, age 79 of Ellis Grove, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2015 in St. Louis. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, September 18, 2015 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral chapel with Pastor Mike Southards officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the American Cancer Society. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Visitation was also held at the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory in Ballwin, MO earlier in the week. Dan was born on July 14, 1936 in Vincennes, IN, a son of the late Lyle L. and Goldie (Richardson) James. He married Sharon Wyeth on June 3, 1956. He is survived by Sharon "Kitty" James, his loving and supportive wife of 59 years; two children, Daniel James II and wife Carolyn of Redmond, WA and Cathleen James and husband John Hittler of Hillsboro, MO; five grandchildren, John II, Joshua, Joseph, Jacob and Jeremy Hittler; 2 great-grandchildren, Izabella and McKenna; a brother, Lyle Richard "Dick" James and wife Judy of Hillsboro, IL; a niece and nephew, Beth (Tony) Ferranto of Bloomsdale, MO and Rick James of Charleston, IL; and a great niece and nephew, Emma Delapp and Luke Ferranto. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol James. Dan was a 1954 graduate of Eastern IL State High School and attained both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Eastern Illinois University and his PhD from Indiana University. Dr. James was a committed educator and leader. He served as Associate Superintendent of the Rockwood School District in Eureka, MO from 1972 - 1997. Following his formal retirement in 1997 he returned to Illinois and served as Superintendent of Schools for the Meridian Community Unit School District #101 and the Carthage Community School District. During these tenures he was a member of various educational associations and holds membership in the State Teachers Retirement Organizations both in Missouri and Illinois and is a member of the Indiana University Alumni Association. Dan considered himself to be an American and a patriot who faithfully and honorably served his country with the United States Army. He loved animals, especially dogs, and he and Sharon worked with several humane organizations in providing rescue assistance. Dan will forever be remembered as a respected educator, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother; as well as an uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend to many.
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