James E Mann

Born July 1, 1921 in Flora to Charles A. and Opal E. (Shroyer) Mann, he married Marjorie Barr on October 10, 1942 in St. Charles, MO. She died December 4, 2013.

Surviving are one son, James T. (Carolyn) Mann of Pekin; one daughter, Jane (Rob) Pyle of Pekin; three grandsons, Michael (Stephanie) Mann of Chatham; Jeff (Shannon) Pyle of Pekin and Scott (Mandi) Pyle of East Peoria; three great-granddaughters; one sister, Jean Decker of Robinson; one sister-in-law, Mary Nell Berry of St. Louis.

He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 16 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1982.

Jim served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1946.

He loved to fish from his boat in Chetek, WI. He also liked to read westerns and play pinochle. He was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and he never met a stranger, he loved everyone. He cherished time spent with his grandkids.

Jim was raised a Master Mason by Flora Lodge #204 in Flora in October 1943. He transferred his membership to Pekin Lodge #29 in 1982. He served in various lodge offices and as Treasurer of the Temple Board from 1995 to 2004. In November 2013, he was recognized as a 70 year Mason by the Grand Master of Illinois and members of Empire Lodge #126 of Pekin.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, August 22, 2014 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, with Masonic rites conducted at 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 or Hopedale Medical Complex, 107 Tremont St., Hopedale, Il 61747.

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