Thomas E. James, 66, of Peoria, passed away at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2009, at the home of his daughter, where he spent his final days with his family and friends.
Tom was born in Peoria on November 12, 1942, son of Robert and Mildred (Lair) James. His father and three sisters preceded him in death. He married Mary A. Smith on April 15, 1972 in Peoria. They later divorced, but remained close friends.
He is survived by his mother, Mildred James of Peoria; daughters, Christy Purvis (Doug) Wilkins of Peoria and Lori (Craig) Grinnell of Speer; and six grandchildren, Ian, Adam, Evan and Alexis Purvis and Katie and Ethan Grinnell.
Tom was raised Catholic and was an altar server at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria. He graduated from the Spalding Institute in 1960 and from Midstate College in 1962.
He began his business career working for Household Finance and Murry Tire. He was a founder of Plaza Tire in 1968 and was instrumental in bringing Miss Uniroyal otherwise-known-as “Vanna Whitewall” to Peoria. He was last employed as the Office Manager for Maco Business Forms, retiring in May of this year.
Tom was a world traveler, history buff and master of trivia. He enjoyed spectator sports, especially his favorite team, Da Bears. Attending the Bears’ summer training camp with his buddies was a favorite annual event. His greatest enjoyment in life came from his family, especially his grandchildren, and his many friends.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff at OSF St Francis Medical Center and OSF Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Tom.
A funeral liturgy will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Clary Funeral Home in Peoria, with Monsignor William Watson officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2009, and a half-hour prior to services on Thursday. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program in Peoria.
| Friend from the Silver Dollar |
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I am sure gonna miss you Tom. You were one of the nicest guys I have ever met and I enjoyed having a drink with you and talking about current events and sports. Thank you for the good memories. May you rest in peace and god bless your family.
| Ed & Diana Johnson |
Friends of Christy & Doug |
August 5, 2009 |
Christy and Doug,
We are sad to learn of Thomas' passing. Now we know the connection to all the tires that we purchased at Plaza Tire over the years. We hope the many happy memories will help you and your family get through this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Diana & Ed Johnson (Ivy and Mt. Hawley Clubs)
| FRIENDS FROM THE STADIUM CLUB |
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS |
July 31, 2009 |
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST TOM WAS A PART OF THE STADIUM CLUB LIKE ALL OF US WE ARE LIKE FAMILY THERE HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED ARE PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
FRIEND OF THE STADIUM CLUB
| Tim & Jon'l Alexander |
A great friend |
July 29, 2009 |
Tom was a great friend of ours for the last five years of his life. We will always treasure his wit, intelligence, compassion and most of all his friendship.
It was an honor to know Tom James, and it is very painful to see him go.
| Bob & Pam Knott |
never to be forgotton |
July 28, 2009 |
Millie, Christy & Lori,
In many ways big & small Tom's life changed our world and left it a better place.
He touched too many lives to ever be forgotton.
May you find comfort in knowing many people share your sadness and will remember him forever !
Bob & Pam
| Deb Williamson |
Thomas James |
July 28, 2009 |
Christie, Doug and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. But we all know God has a plan for all of us and we do not know what that plan is. Tom is now in a much better place than we are and God will take care of him now. No more pain or suffering. May God hold you in his arms and comfort you in this time.
