James D Gosnell

Born February 17, 1936 in South Pekin to John Delmar and Dorotha Wilhelmina (Loercher) Gosnell, he married Mary A. (Coe) Spradlin on June 27, 1964 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Mike (Traci) Gosnell of Pekin; one daughter, Kelli Walraven of Canton; six grandchildren, Carla (Rob) Baker of Manito, Jared Spradlin and Kyle Spradlin, both of Florida, Clint Spradlin of South Pekin, Zac Gosnell of Colorado, and Renee Walraven of Canton; four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Casey, Braelyn, and Blake; one brother, Jerry (Pat) Gosnell of Marquette Heights; and two sisters, Kay Lock and Mary (Paul) Kerby, both of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sons, James Spradlin and John Spradlin.

Jim was a United States Army veteran serving from 1955 to 1958.

A truck driver for 53 years, Jim had worked for Borden’s Dairy in Pekin for 30 years and later for G & D Transport in Bartonville for 15 years. He last worked for Jeff Donahoo Trucking in rural Peoria from 2004 to 2007.

He was a member and past officer of the George Maple Memorial AMVETS Post #235 in Pekin. He also was member of the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team and the Pekin Moose Family Center #916.

Jim enjoyed bowling and NASCAR. He was a fan of both Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. His greatest joy was his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at War Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The family requests casual attire for those attending the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help the family with funeral expenses.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com