James P Gump

Born February 26, 1921 in Wheeling, West Virginia to Arden and Opal Nutter Gump, he married Ruby Mae Dwyer June 17, 1952 in Wheeling. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Sandy K. Baker of El Cajon, California and Patricia A. (and Larry) Kent of Bloomington; five grandchildren, Timothy of Wisconsin, John (and Lisa) of California, Kevin (and Janet), Heidi Layer, both of Pekin and Mark Kent of Goodfield and six great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister, Pauline Zaphiriou.

A World War II Army Air Force veteran, he was a Pearl Harbor survivor and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant with the 1503rd Army Air Force.

Jim worked as a chemist in the lab of Corn Products Company in Pekin for many years, retiring from Pekin Energy in 1987.

He was a life member and past commander of the Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 in Pekin, where he also had served as treasurer and service officer.

Jim loved fishing and hunting.

His graveside funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2005at Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito, with the Rev. Gary L. Ford officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team, c/o Diana Lhaman, Treasurer, 1107 South Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

The family will receive friends following services at the VFW in Pekin.