James H. Phelps

CHARLESTON, IL – James H. Phelps, age 73 of Charleston, passed away on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.  Visitation will be Monday, July 5, 2021, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Funeral Service, honoring and celebrating his life, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021at the funeral chapel with Pastor Bret Hammond officiating.  Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery located in Edgar County east of Kansas, Illinois.  Memorials in his honor may be made to the Ewington Chapter Sons of the American Revolution and left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.

Jim was born April 23, 1948, in Paris, Illinois, a son of the late Leburn and Delpha (Wilson) Phelps.  He grew up in Kansas, Illinois and was a 1966 graduate of Kansas High School.  He furthered his education at Lake Land College where he attained an Associates Degree and at Eastern Illinois University where he received his Bachelors.

He married Marjorie Lutz on December 6, 1975, in Charleston and she survives.  In addition to Marge, his devoted wife of 45 years, he is survived by his daughters Mary Alison Marley and husband J.C. of Fillmore, Illinois and Amy Peeples and husband Josh of Madison, Alabama; five grandchildren, Katelyn, Ethan, and Thomas Marley, and Daniel and Emily Peeples; five siblings, Marie Seafler of Kansas, Illinois, Patty Jean Phelps and boyfriend Paul Dague of Oakland, Illinois, Karen Corbin of Russellville, Kentucky, Ray Parrish and wife Jo Ann and John David Parrish and wife Alisa, all of Roundhill, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded by his biological father, James Herbert Parrish, and four siblings, Margaret White, Wilma Cunningham, Freddie Parrish, and Ronnie Parrish.

Since 1973, Jim has owned and operated Phelps Map Service, successfully producing city and county maps for businesses, tourism, and industry for 48 years.  As a cartographer, he took pride in his work and enjoyed interacting with various Chambers of Commerce throughout central Illinois, and especially with the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce in mapping their respective cities and towns.  As one who paid close attention to details, Jim’s maps are proudly on file at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.

Following hours of genealogy research confirming that Jim met the criteria to join the Sons of the American Revolution, he was honored to be a member of the Ewington Chapter.  He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion Kansas Post 539. 

Jim’s skills were limitless when it came to fixing things.  Cars, house repairs, or whatever the need, he possessed the knowledge to be able to complete the task with his usual attention to details and meticulous manner.  He was a driven man who always had to keep busy and was generous with his time if a friend or family member needed his help. 

Jim not only took pride in his work but was proud and supportive of his family.  He was a wonderful and loving husband and partner to Marge, and a loving and devoted father to Alison and Amy and grandfather to Katelyn, Ethan, Thomas, Daniel, and Emily.  Jim was described as a good man who lived his life with kindness and respect for others.  All who knew and loved him will truly miss him and each have their own fond memories to cherish.

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