James A. Self

NORTH PEKIN ~ James Allen Self, 78, of North Pekin, passed away at 10:45 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born April 25, 1944 in Waukegan, Illinois. His generous and gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Lloyd Self and Annie Lillian (Woods) Self. He is survived by his brother, Jerry (Kit) Self of East Peoria, his half-brother, Robert (Tricia) Self of Nixa, MO, sister-in-law Connie Self of East Peoria, and his two nephews, Cody (Ashley) Self of Maryville TN and Kyle (Krista) Self of Peoria.

An area resident since 1951, Jim was a member of the last graduating class of the original Pekin High School in 1963. He later attended Illinois Central College's HVAC program.

His varied career included duty as a patrolman in the Village of North Pekin Police Department, a stint as a deckhand on the barge Amoco Missouri and many years as a professional driver. He retired from R. A. Cullinan & Son in 2006, where he had been a truck driver for 26 years. A member of Teamsters Local 627 since 1970, he had previously been a tank truck driver for Texaco Oil, earning numerous safety awards during his career.

Jim was a long-time member of First Christian Church in Pekin where he had been a member of the New Victory Singers. He also drove and provided maintenance on the church bus. He served as a Tazewell County election judge for several years. Boating was a passion with him; he taught many people how to water ski over the years. He also loved riding motorcycles. Jim will be remembered as a caring friend, always ready to lend a helping hand to others.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the First Christian Church in Pekin. Pastor Mark Foglio will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut Street, Pekin IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com