James L Gobert, Sr.

Born December 28, 1939 in Peoria, he married Joan K. Collins on March 11, 1958 in Corinth, Mississippi. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, James L., Jr. (Theresa) Gobert of Cape Coral, Florida; three daughters, Kimberly A. (James Vinson) Driver of Cape Coral, Shelley L. (Jess) Wallis of Pekin and Sherrie K. (David) Avants of Arlington, Texas; twelve grandchildren and a brother, William (Lynn) Gobert of Bartonville. He also leaves his dog, Muffin.

He was preceded in death by his father, James H. Gobert.

Jim owned and operated Security Fence Company from 1973 to 1984 and then moved to Cape Coral in 1986, where he then owned and operated Ft. Myers Fence. He and Joan returned to the Peoria area 3 years ago.

He was a member of Hilton Lodge 1143, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois in East Peoria. He also was a member of the Mohammed Temple, Shrine and the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria.

He was a licensed private pilot and was a member of the Peoria Flying Club.

Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a friend to all. He loved taking care of the birds, wildlife and his flower gardens. You could always find him watching the NASCAR races and cheering on his favorite driver #24, Jeff Gordon.

His memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, August 9, 2007at First United Methodist Church in East Peoria. The Rev. Dr. Alan L. Newhall will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Private burial will be in Secor Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Peoria Rescue Ministries, P.O. Box 837Peoria, IL 61652-0837.