Elijah I. James

     Elijah I. James, 34, of Carmi passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.  He was born in Normal IL on November 19, 1989 the son of Claude E. James and Joyce Kloth. Ellijah was raised by his grandparents, Claude and Betty (Grant) James. Elijah loved to talk and visit with his family and friends. He was instrumental in starting a Pen Pals for Prisoners program.

     Elijah is survived by his father, Claude E. James of Carmi; four siblings, Jeremy Scott of New Mexico, Jesse (CeCe) Franklin of Maunie, Katie Brown of Carmi and Amanda Smith of Bloomington, IL; aunt and uncles, Vivian Brown, Alfred (Bobbie) James, and Robert Kloth; special friends, Caren Holmes and Lauren Matrka; along with numerous cousins and extended family.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him, Claude and Betty James, his mother, Joyce Kloth, step-mother, Sheila James and two uncles, Paul James and Howard Kloth.

      Graveside funeral services and burial for Elijah I. James, 34 of Carmi will held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, December 28, 2023 in Melrose Cemetery in Carmi.  in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elijah's aunt Vivian Brown c/o First Bank to assist with funeral and medical expenses and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi who is assisting with arrangements.