James S. Eaton

James S. “Jim” Eaton, age 93, of West Peoria, passed away Thursday Dec. 4, 2014 at 3:17 a.m. at Grand View Alzheimer’s Facility in Peoria. He was born Sep. 2, 1921 in Peoria to Herbert J. and Hermina P. (Santo) Eaton. He married Florence E. Fahnders June 7, 1947 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Peoria. She survives along with seven children: James “Jim” (Connie)Eaton of Hope, IN, Herbert (Pamala) Eaton of Bloomington, IL, Mary Lou Eaton of Oakdale, MN, Nancy (Steven) Dauer of Bridgewater, VA, Annette (Jeff) Hoerdeman of Peoria, Colleen Kollmann of Fondulac, WI, and Mark (Joyce) Eaton of Peoria. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three sisters: Catherine (Ed) Richardson of Oklahoma City, OK, Sister Bernadette Eaton, CSJ of Chicago, and Eileen McDonough of Peoria. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant children: Thomas and Elizabeth Eaton, and three brothers: Herbert, Joe, and Don. Jim was a Spalding Institute graduate. He attended Bradley University, and completed the Caterpillar Apprentice Program. He was a WWII Navy Veteran. Following WWII Jim worked for Caterpillar, Inc. as a Tool Designer for 45 years retiring in 1983. He was the longest continuous resident of West Peoria, and raised his family in the house he built. He was a lifelong member of St. Marks Catholic Church. Jim was active in the Church Choir, West Mark Food Pantry, and the Knights of Columbus. Jim and Florence enjoyed traveling, square dancing, and spending time with their grandchildren. He was also a skillful woodworker who crafted many creations for his family and community. Visitation will be Monday Dec. 8, 2014 at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria from 4:30 p.m. till 8 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 4 p.m. A funeral mass will be Tuesday Dec. 9, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in West Peoria with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Catholic Church, the West Mark Food Pantry, the Immaculate Conception Convent in West Peoria, or the Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet Mother House at 6400 Minnesota Ave. St. Louis, Mo. Please view Jim’s obituary online at www.Davison-FultonWoodlandChapel.com