James Raymond Pearce

James Raymond Pearce, 72, of Pleasant Plains, died at 10:08 p.m. Friday at St. John's Hospital ER. Mr. Pearce was born July 20, 1929, the son of Raymond and Helen Kane Pearce in Geneva, Ohio. He married Caryl Watson in 1950 in Springfield. Mr. Pearce was a graduate of Lanphier High School and an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He worked for the United States Post Office as a postal clerk for 32 years, retiring in 1992. After his retirement he worked as a school bus driver for Pleasant Plains High School. Mr. Pearce traveled to Europe twice and went on a cruise through the Panama Canal. He would put out his American Flag almost daily. He enjoyed watching classic movies, fishing and dancing. He also enjoyed tending to his gardens and his fruit tree orchards. He liked to make apple cider and wine. He loved his kids and grandkids and he would take the boys out hunting every Thanksgiving. He had a good since of humor, enjoyed singing, he was a good storyteller, and he loved old tractors and big band music. He would always compliment his wife on her cooking and he would go to his grandkids sporting events. He attended Central Baptist Church, was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and a member of P.O.L.K.A. of America. He was preceded in death by parents. He is survived by his devoted and loved wife of 51 years, Caryl; eight sons, Michael (wife, Marla) of Sherman, Steve (wife, Janet) of Kokomo, IN, Tom (wife, Kim) of Springfield, Danny (wife, Jackie) of Pawnee, Doug (wife, Garna) of Springfield, David (wife, Debbie) of Sacramento, CA, Scott (wife, Chris) of New Berlin and Jeff (wife, Kathy) of Springfield; two daughters, Karen (husband, Riley) Powell of Raleigh, NC and Jennifer (husband, Mitch) Schinzler of Moweaqua, IL; a brother, Pat Pearce of Springfield; two sisters, Mary (husband, Bill) Dougherty and Linda Bartlett, both of Springfield; 28 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A great husband, dad, grandpa and friend. We love him and will remember him always. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home from 4-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 6, 2001. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 7, 2001 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Emerson officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will perform honors. Memorial contributions can be made to Salvation Army, 530 North 6th St, Springfield, IL 62702 The family of James Raymond Pearce is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield