James Robert Enlow

James Robert Enlow, 72, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born February 11, 1937 in Springfield, the son of John F. and Janet Guymon Enlow. He married his high school sweetheart, Carole Decatoire, on January 12, 1957 in Springfield. Jim graduated from Lanphier High School and Springfield Junior College. His family owned and operated Springfield-Decatur Transfer from 1945 to 1982 when it was purchased by Rudolf Express. Jim was the regional manager until his retirement in 1999. After retirement he went to work for Morgan Express as a salesman. Jim was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church. He was passionately involved in the Knights of Columbus achieving the 4th Degree and having served as an honor guard and Past Grand Knight for Council 4179. In addition to the K of C, Jim was very active with the Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society and the Special Olympics. An Eagle Scout himself, Jim was involved with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scout Pack 53 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. He was also a sponsor of several Little League teams. To his family and friends, Jim was the world's most honorable man. He was a true giver and deeply devoted to helping others, especially children. In his downtime, Jim enjoyed golf and bowling and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini. He was preceded in death by his father, John Enlow and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Carole Enlow of Springfield; three sons, John (wife, Connie) Enlow of Riverton, Jim (wife, Maria) Enlow of Springfield and Jeff (wife, Nancy) Enlow of Springfield; three daughters, Jeanne (husband, David) Urbanek, Jackie (husband, Jim) Peters and Julie (husband, Randy) Ressler all of Springfield; eighteen grandchildren, Courtney, Eric, Anthony, Lucas, Natalie, Sydney, Haley, Alison and Michael Enlow, Robert, Chris and Aubrey Urbanek, Sarah, Katie and Lisa Peters, Ryan Sattler and Aiden and Lydia Ressler; his mother, Janet Enlow of Springfield; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law and friends; and his faithful dog, Hannah. Family will receive friends from 4:00 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2119 N. 20th St., Springfield with Rev. Mark A. Schulte, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society, 51 Forest Ridge, Springfield, IL 62712, or to the Sangamon Area 17 Special Olympics, 413 E. Adams St., Springfield, IL 62705-1823.