Frank, age 88, of Chillicothe, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Frank was born on October 3, 1936 in Chillicothe, IL to Allen and Gladys Fay (Adams) James. He married Barbara Ann Newell on May 26, 1961 in Lacon. 

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Barbara; his son, Nick James; his son-in-law, David Buckman; his grandchildren, Sarah, Kristen, Matthew and Alex; his sister, Joyce (Jack) King; his brothers, Vern (Debbie) and Jimmy (Linda); and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Bob James; his daughter, Kim Buckman; his brothers, Dick, Bill and Earl and his sisters, Mary, Opal, Betty and Norma.

Frank served in the Army Reserves for eight years and worked for Caterpillar for over 30 years when he retired. He was an avid Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Chiefs fan. Frank enjoyed playing softball, golfing, and bowling. He also enjoyed traveling with his family and they enjoyed many vacations together.

Services were held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe with the visitation prior to the service. Rev. Tom Pasino officiated. Cremation rites were accorded following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank and his daughter, Kim’s, names may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Barrow Neurological Foundation IBTC, 2910 North 3rd Avenue, Suite 450, Phoenix, AZ 85013.

Thank You

We would like to thank everyone, family, friends, etc., for all of the visits, phone calls, cards, food, transportation, and concerns during Frank’s illness.

We would also like to thank everyone for their monetary donations, food for the dinner, and those who stepped up and took care of setting up, serving, and cleaning up afterward.

We appreciate all who attended his visitation and funeral and also who joined us at the dinner. Frank would have been overjoyed with all who came.

— From the family of Frank James