James "Bob" Robert Lively

James Robert (Bob) Lively, 93, of Bartonville, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at the Unity Point Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He was born on November 25, 1928 in Villa Grove, Illinois to Ira and Mary (Samford) Lively. He married Norma J. Bitner on December 19, 1948 in Pekin, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Gloria (Dan) Gentry of Newnan, GA; one granddaughter, Camille (Phil) Kaijankoski and one great grandson Wesley James Kaijankoski, all of Napa, Cal and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister. He was a member of the Bartonville United Methodist Church where he served on several committees.

He was a member of the 169th Fighter Squadron of the Illinois National Guard for nine years and was activated for one year into the regular Air Force. He was discharged in 1962 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a P.U.F.I. member of the American Legion Post #979 of Bartonville.

He was a graduate of Pekin Community High School. He worked three years for Soldwedel Dairy in Pekin, IL and 40 years in the Wire Mill Electric Department of Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville, retiring in 1990. He served as president of the Square & Compass Club, president of the Keystone Benefit Fund Plan and Vice President of Keystone Relief Association.

He was a member of Verlin M. Showalter Lodge #1172 and was in the first class to be raised in it. He served as Master, Secretary and Treasurer of the lodge and received his 50-year pin December 5, 2012. (The Showalter Lodge #1172 later merged with Joseph Robbins Lodge now located at 4305 Pfeiffer Rd., Bartonville, IL) Bob was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Peoria, IL where he served on the Membership Committee, top lining over 26 new members, and received his 50-year pin April 6, 2000. He served as president of the Scottish Rite Men’s Club.

He was a member of Mohammed Shrine A.A.O.N.O.M.S. where he was a member of the Oriental Band for about 10 years and also a member of the Fire Patrol and Legion of Honor. He was a member of the Senior Nobles Club for several years and served as president. He served on the Hospital Committee, starting as a hospital van driver and made 150 trips to Shriners Hospitals in Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH. He was put in charge of the hospital vans, served in Public Relations and last served as Director of Hospital Committee. He served two years as Associate Member of the Board of Governors for the Shriners Hospital in Chicago, IL. He received his 50-year pin on June 11, 2013.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the Bartonville United Methodist Church. The Rev. Erin Totten will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday with a masonic service at 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Kingston Mines Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Bartonville United Methodist Church or Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago, IL. Arrangements are by the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.