James M. Chase's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - James M. Chase, age 64 of Charleston, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Memorial Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Mike Inyart officiating. Inurnment with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held today, Tuesday, August 9, 2011 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel with Masonic Services conducted by members and guests of the Hutton Masonic Lodge #698 A.F. & A.M. beginning at 8:00 p.m. It is requested that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts in Jim's honor be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in St. Louis. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Jim was born in Harrisburg, Illinois on December 9, 1946 the son of the late L.C. and Mary (Sutton) Chase. His marriage to Teresa Inyart on August 19, 1973 provided for him two loving children, a son, Jason Chase, and a daughter, Jenny Butler and her husband Clint, all of Charleston. He is also survived by a sister, Marilee Fowler of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two nieces, Terilee Clark and husband Ryan, and Lindsay Johnson and husband Scot, all of Ankeny, Iowa; two great-nephews, Hunter and Carson Johnson; and a special friend and loving companion, Kathy Hildebrandt of Charleston. Charleston has been considered home for the Chase family since 1960. Jim was one of the Charleston High School Class of of 1966 and following graduation he entered the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was Honorably Discharged in 1970 and returned home furthering his education at Eastern Illinois University and at Lake Land College. In 1985 he opened Chase's Animal Feed and Supply at the corner of Jackson and 18th Streets - a business he would own and operate for more than twenty years. Jim was a Life Member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and of the Marine Corps League. With his sense of patriotism and deep loyalty to his country he was honored to assist and be a part of the Charleston 4th of July Committee. He was also a member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388, the Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623, the Hutton Masonic Lodge #698 A.F. & A.M., the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite and the Ansar Shrine in Springfield. Jim was also a member and Past President of the Corn Belt Shrine Club. Jim enjoyed being outdoors and taking part in such hobbies as hunting and fishing. You could always rely on being greeted with his signature smile and it was always enjoyable to be in his company. His deep and abiding love for Jason and Jenny was evident and there was never any doubt that they were his highest priority in life. He shared an awesome relationship with his great-nephews, Hunter and Carson, and they will forever remember numerous good times. He was a true friend to many and his kindness, generosity and his willingness to help others are all traits for which he will be fondly remembered. Jim's family and friends are truly blessed to have been such an important part of his life and they have been gifted with a legacy of treasured memories.Click to view Family Memorial Video.
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