Born July 16, 1926 in Appleton, Arkansas to George W. and Ida (Beavers) Chism, he married Phyllis Jean Magner on November 14, 1949 in Pekin. She died on September 14, 2000 in Pekin. He later married Mary Lou (Grebner) Wheeler on August 14, 2004 in Pekin. She died on February 25, 2015 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by his parents; nine brothers and three sisters.
Surviving are two sons, James D. (Holly) Chism of Pekin and Mark R. (Angie) Chism of Marquette Heights; two daughters, Sandra K. (James) Lambert and Anita E. Lundgren, both of Pekin; eleven grandchildren, Chad Chism of San Jose, Chip (Susie Williams) Chism, Jennifer Lambert, Peter Lundgren, and Rob Chism, all of Pekin, Andy (Bonnie) Lundgren of Portland, Oregon, Marissa (Mike) Platt of Mesa, Arizona, Sean (Robin) Lambert of Lakeland, Florida, Karla Houston of Heyworth, Ashley Burdette of Delavan and Daniel (Chelsea) Burdette of Pekin; ten great-grandchildren, Brylee Chism, Gavin Lambert, Enoch Lundgren, Joab Lundgren, Meredith Platt, Liam Chism, Landon Houston, Rhoen Houston, Austynn Burdette and Dax Burdette; and one sister, Opal Elliott of Sikeston, Missouri.
JW proudly served his country in the United States Navy, serving in the Philippines during World War II.
In 1988, JW retired from Pekin Energy Company after 42 years of service, staying with the company from the time it had been called Corn Products Company. He last ran the distilling tower and had worked as a control room operator.
JW had been an active member of the Pekin First Church of God, serving as an usher and enjoying the church’s Dartball League.
He also enjoyed fishing and bowling.
His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory. Pastor Kim Bacon will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Guidelines regarding social distancing and the wearing of masks will followed. Burial will be in Spring Lake Cemetery in rural Manito, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Pekin First Church of God, 2520 Maywood Avenue, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18