He was born on May 4, 1925 in Chicago to Dorothy Burley.
He married Catherine Driscoll on August 16, 1958 in Peoria.
Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years; three daughters, Lee Burley of Bellevue, Barbara (Frank) Young of Elmwood and Maryann Sprout of Peoria; six grandchildren, Clay (Breeannah) Burley, Sara Sprout, Malone Sprout, Carrie (Jeremy Armstrong) Young, Rachel (Jake McClanahan) Sprout and Travis Sprout; and three great-grandchildren, Ross Burley, Callie Burley and Ava Jo Armstrong.
He was preceded in death by his mother and son in law, Troy Sprout.
Jim served in the United States Army during WW II. He graduated from Woodruff High School and then Bradley University with a BA degree in Linguistics. He was a member of the Lathers Local Union #36 until retiring. After retirement he worked for 20 years at the YWCA as a security guard. Jim was an avid reader and was often found at the Peoria Public Library learning about local history. He loved Bradley Basketball and the Chicago Cubs,
Cremation rites will be accorded. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in West Peoria. Father David Richardson will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Peoria Public Library or to the Peoria VA Clinic.
Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com
