Claude James

E. Claude James, 83, of Belleville, died on February 1, 2017 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

He was born on April 6, 1933 in Carmi, the son of Ervin and Laura (Frymire) James.  He married Betty J. Grant on June 21, 1953 and she preceded him in death on December 29, 2002.  He then married Patricia Hill Grant on September 13, 2008 and she survives.He is survived by sons, Claude Edward (Shela) James, Alfred Lee (Bobbie Sue) James, Elijah Isiah James and D.A. (Mary) Grant; daughter, Vivian Claudine (Scott) Brown; daughter-in-law, Angela James; brothers, Clarence James, Everett James, Edgar James, Julius James; ½ brother, Harold Wayne James; ½ sisters, Joyce Stinson, JoAnn Bryant and Janice James; 18 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by son, Paul W. James, brothers, Elvis James and Ernest James, and sister Eva James.

Mr. James had worked in the oil fields for 18 years, then retired in April 1995, after 18 years as a welder, from Hart & Carter in Gridley, IL.  He played many instruments, though he did not read music.  He especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

Burial will be in North Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi.  Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com